The Torrens and Moore show and Verameyenka game-winning block headline top talking points
MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) – The first game day of the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals are in the books and there was plenty to chew over after four fascinating matchups.
MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) – The first game day of the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals are in the books and there was plenty to chew over after four fascinating matchups.
That Torrens and Moore UMMC combo
That Torrens ➡️ @MooreMaya connection is 👀 good for @BC_UMMC! #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/xGLuBbkMRN
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) February 28, 2018
When UMMC signed Maya Moore, it raised questions as to what it would mean for Alba Torrens. Both players occupy similar positions, but Coach Miguel Mendez has blended them both brilliantly. Moore was electric for UMMC in their stunning 97-70 win against Prague with 29 points, while Torrens handed out 7 assists. This link-up between Torrens and Moore hints that this could yet be a combo that delivers this year's title.
Verameyenka gets it done with game-winning block
Anastasiya Verameyenka with the game-winning block for @Fenerbahce in #EuroLeagueWomen Quarter-Finals Game 1. Big bit of defense on the perimeter from a big 👌 pic.twitter.com/0OPfInmJIj
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) February 28, 2018
As a fan, you have to love it when a major defensive play wins a tight, important ball game. It's a relative rarity as we are all used to seeing a play down the other end of the floor to secure victory. Step forward and take a bow Anastaisya Verameyeka of Fenerbahce who made sure her team won a tight one, 55-60, in Sopron.
Schio slowing down Dynamo Kursk
Famila Schio did not get the upset they craved against Dynamo Kursk, but it was significant that they managed to keep the unbeaten holders to just 73 points. Kursk had not even fallen below 80 points in their previous home games. That gives Pierre Vincent and his side something positive to take into the second game. It was the 2-of-17 from long-range that hurt Kursk most.
Even the best can finish a game empty-handed
After another dazzling season for Bourges Basket, it was surprising to see the stellar Marine Johannes go a stone-cold 0-of-8 for her team in Istanbul against Yaki Dogu Universitesi. It was a timely reminder that even the very best can have off nights in the biggest games.
UMMC shoot the lights out and tie the season assists record
.@BC_UMMC are rolling! Sharing the 🏀 and find the best shot! #EuroLeagueWomen
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) February 28, 2018
📝 https://t.co/xJTfkjbpro pic.twitter.com/7AfnliguDg
UMMC Ekaterinburg were on fire against Praha and equaled the season-high assists record in an individual game by racking up 30 of them. They also underlined their dominance by firing 12-of 16 from long-range and that contributed to a scorching 60 percent from the field.
Sopron missing Langhorne
Sopron fans made some incredible noise against Fenerbahce and their team pushed the Turkish giants close. However, as the fans left the Arena, you could forgive them for thinking what might have been. Sopron's best player in the Regular Season was not present after the club parted ways with Crystal Langhorne. As the center hit Instagram to show her vacation in the jungle, it was a real pity that she was not still suited up for her former club.
Slooty-Time again!
Yakin Dogu Universitesi playmaker Courtney Vandersloot now occupies the top four positions of our chart for game-high assists after she handed out another 13 for her team in the clash with Bourges. That is despite her opponents having rich guard options including the likes of the great Laia Palau, but nobody could put the shackles on her. She is now averaging 9.5 assists per game!
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