Frontrunners Galatasaray, ASVEL show teeth; Cadi La Seu enjoy stunning win

MUNICH (Germany) - The opening Round of 16 first leg games witnessed Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring and LDLC ASVEL Feminin both showing their teeth and why they are being spoken about as possible champions.

Galatasaray benefited from a hard-hitting one-two punch from Azura Stevens and Teaira McCowan to move past BLMA 88-75 in Istanbul. The former was just one assist away from a magnificent triple-double after landing 21 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists, while McCowan was a handful inside with a towering 29 points, 12 boards and 4 assists.

It was a big team effort from BLMA to stay in the tie and give themselves hope of overturning the deficit next week, with five different players logging double-digit scoring returns led by 18 points from Julie Vanloo.

A lightning 33-18 first quarter for ASVEL has put them in a good place in their tie with ACS Sepsi-SIC after they pushed on to cement a 91-76 success. They will also carry a double-figure advantage with them on their travels, although had it not been for a Sepsi pushback in the third quarter, then the French side would have had a foot already in the Quarter-Finals.

It was an excellent display by the Lyon based side, sharing 33 assists and making it rain from long-range. Marine Johannes lit it up like usual with 22 points and 9 assists, Julie Allemand also served up 9 assists alongside her and Alexia Chartereau registered an important 21 points. It was Borislava Hristova who excelled for a disappointed Sepsi with 25 points.

Cadi La Seu have made everyone sit up and take notice after they once again relied on their main asset of defence to get the job done 72-54 in their first meeting against the much fancied Flammes Carolo Basket.

Cadi La Seu have a great chance of progressing as they take an 18-point lead to France 

A blistering 27-8 third period was the foundation for a memorable win as well as forcing their opponents into a nightmare 27 turnovers. Laia Raventos assumed the leadership role for Cadi with 21 points, while Brianna Fraser scored 18 points for Carolo, who now have a hill to climb next week.

There was a much tighter affair between Castors Braine and Angers, with the French team heading back over the border with a narrow 62-61 road win to their name. For much of the matchup it was the Belgian hosts who held the upper hand and looked to be on course to victory.

But, a much improved last quarter was telling as Angers finally showed their trademark defensive work to hold Braine to just 10 points. Kekelly Elenga and Alexis Peterson shared 36 points for Angers, with Matea Tadic handing out 7 eye-catching assists for Castors Braine.

The remaining First Leg encounters from the Round of 16 take place on Thursday.

FIBA