Relieved Nadezhda make Regular Season after epic against heartbroken Cukurova

ORENBURG (EuroLeague Women) - Nadezhda have navigated their way into the EuroLeague Women Regular Season, but only after a dramatic and thrilling Qualifiers tie with Cukurova Basketbol.

Holding a slender two-point advantage from the first leg in Turkey, the locals in Orenburg were put through an emotional journey, but eventually enjoyed Nadezhda seal a 76-74 win, in what proved to be an epic contest.

Nadezhda trailed by double figures early in the game after a slow start and then turned on the style after the break to build up an eight-point lead on the night and 10 points in the tie.

With both teams raining down the triples, it all boiled down to crunch time.

 Trailing 68-72 it felt like the game was potentially ebbing away from Nadezhda, but Adut Bulgak stepped up and saved the day with two huge three-pointers down the stretch. She had only scored one basket prior to her late intervention.

Nadezhda also had Spanish playmaker Sandra Ygueravide to thank with a spectacular 18 points and 13 assists, while Brionna Jones weighed in with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The defeat was harsh on Alina Iagupova who exploded for 26 points, as well as handing out 8 assists, with Cukurova now preparing themselves for a season in EuroCup Women.

“I am proud of my team!" declared a triumphant Nadezhda play-caller, Victor Lapena, after the contest.

“It was a matter of prestige for the team to enter the group phase. It is hard to express my emotions, since we are all so excited now.

"It was a difficult situation for us, you know, as a new head coach and with Erika Wheeler’s absence, but we did it.

“I am really proud of all the players," he added.

FIBA