EUROLEAGUE WOMEN – Savvy Taurasi saves Fener; big games for Charles and Jackson

ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women) – Team USA’s Diana Taurasi found a new way to make headlines on Wednesday when she rescued unbeaten Fenerbahce against upset-minded Rivas Ecopolis in Turkey.

With her team trailing and in the waning moments, Taurasi drew a foul by Spain international Anna Cruz while attempting a three-pointer.

Taurasi sank all three free-throws for a 79-77 lead just nine seconds from the end.

After a timeout, Rivas went for a winner but Amaya Valdemoro was off target from three-point range.

Taurasi, who joined Fenerbahce (6-0) from Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje – the side she led to the last four European crowns – finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

In October, she made the All-Star Five at the FIBA World Championship for Women after firing the United States to the gold medal.

There were also sensational performances for Nadezhda pair Tina Charles of Team USA and, Anastasiya Verameyenka of Belarus, and Australia’s Lauren Jackson of Spartak.

Charles had 27 points and 18 rebounds while Verameyenka poured in 17, grabbed 11 boards and swatted seven shots in Nadezhda’s 87-82 upset of Ros Casares in Valencia.

It was the Russian team’s second win of the season.

Jackson scored 28 points and hauled in 14 rebounds as Sparta&K won 85-52 over VICI Aistes for their fourth win in six games.

FIBA