BLMA, Lointek Gernika and Sassari bank big road wins to open Qualifiers

MUNICH (Germany) - The first night of the new EuroCup Women campaign saw a trio of home clubs fall in front of their own fans in the Qualifiers, with their opponents putting one foot in the Regular Season. 

BLMA ensured there was no happy first chapter for ZKK Plamen Pozega in the competition as the French side eased to a comfortable 68-53 first leg road win in Croatia.

It was 18-year-old Jade Marmillod who shone brightly with a 15-point and 10-rebound double-double for the visitors, while her BLMA teammate Dieyneba Niang contributed a smart 10 points, 8 boards, 3 assists and 3 blocks. Veteran Jelena Ivezic replied with a game-high 23 points in defeat, with De'ja Marshall also adding 9 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals and 6 assists for the hosts. 

It was a strong team effort for Lointek Gernika who eased to the win at Phantoms Basket Boom

Lointek Gernika had far too much for Phantoms Basket Boom as they departed Belgian soil with a convincing 101-62 triumph. It was founded on a powerful 20-7 run leading up to half-time which snapped the contest open. There was also a string of excellent performances with six players reaching double-digits in a big team effort.

Julie Wojta starred with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 7 steals, with her Gernika colleague Gabija Meskonyte harvesting 21 points. There was some consolation for Sam Van Buggenhout who fired 22 points and handed out 7 assists for the Phantoms.

Meanwhile, Italian outfit Banco di Sardegna Sassari were also successful in Belgium after they had a big 24-2 jump start in their game at the House of Talent Spurs. That helped them to eventually ride their way to a 96-51 victory as they gave themselves a significant advantage with Debora Carangelo leading all scorers with 23 points.

The Qualifiers continue with four more games on Thursday as well as two on Friday ahead of the second legs taking place next week.

FIBA