UMMC deliver fourth EuroLeague Women title
SOPRON (EuroLeague Women) – A triumphant UMMC Ekaterinburg delivered against their status as favorites with a fourth EuroLeague Women success, taking a 72-53 victory against Sopron Basket.
SOPRON (EuroLeague Women) – A triumphant UMMC Ekaterinburg delivered against their status as favorites with a fourth EuroLeague Women success, taking a 72-53 victory against Sopron Basket in a packed Novomatic Arena.
Turning point: UMMC couldn't quite shrug off Sopron in the last quarter and the home fans sensed a spectacular comeback may be on its way and turned up the volume as their side cut the gap to single digits. But, Evgenia Beliakova killed the resistance with a big dagger triple and then a steal which led to a lay-up just a few moments afterwards. It sparked a 16-6 finish to the contest in favor of the Russians.
.@MooreMaya to @EmmaMeesseman as @BC_ummc are closing out this Final! #EuroLeagueWomen@wnba
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) April 22, 2018
📺 https://t.co/lzgYwDOIBR pic.twitter.com/TBzRYJHdEZ
Stats don't lie: UMMC controlled the game well and limited the errors, giving up just two second-chance points. They also dominated inside, outscoring Sopron 40-12 in the paint.
Game heroes: MVP Emma Meesseman was electric and finished with a stellar 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Her frontcourt partner Brittney Griner weighed in with 16 points and 9 boards, while Maya Moore posted 17 points.
NOT IN TURNER'S 🏠! #EuroLeagueWomen@wnba @wbsopron @PhoenixMercury
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) April 22, 2018
📺 https://t.co/lzgYwDOIBR pic.twitter.com/Sl6O1PhfYs
There was also a heroic effort in defeat from Yvonne Turner with 21 points and a spectacular block that will live long in the memory of the excited home fans.
FIBA