Fenerbahce show title ambitions, Nadezhda stun Kursk on opening night

 MUNICH (Germany) - It was an eventful first day of the EuroLeague Women Regular Season as Fenerbahce and Nadezhda both grabbed the headlines with exciting victories.

Satou Sabally showed out for Fenerbahce in an explosive and eye-catching tournament debut as the Istanbul giants came back from a double-digit deficit to defeat ZVVZ USK Praha 77-70.

The German was unstoppable at times and amassed a super 30 points and 11 rebounds as the title hopefuls showed their teeth early against their Group B opponents. It was fellow new arrival Jasmine Thomas who played the all-important supporting role by racking up 19 points and 5 assists.

In the other Group B contest, LDLC ASVEL Feminin were far too strong for Arka Gdynia as they rolled their way to an 89-57 victory.

Helena Ciak was on fire as she shot 89 percent from the field en-route to 17 points, while also claiming 10 rebounds. Marine Johannes added a competition career high 9 assists and Aleksandra Crvendakic top scored with 21 points.

Nadezhda were involved in a dramatic showdown against domestic rivals Dynamo Kursk in the only match-up to take place in Group A. The underdogs caused an upset against their highly fancied opponents by completing a nail-biting 77-74 triumph.

Anastasia Logunova led the way with a fine double-double of 19 points and 12 boards, while Latvian guard Elina Babkina brought the noise with 19 points and 7 assists. Arike Ogunbowale dropped 29 points in defeat on what was her first outing in the competition. 

UMMC Ekaterinburg are the usual favorites to lift the title and they showed why as they strode confidently past Famila Schio 83-61. 

Jonquel Jones shot the ball brilliantly for 20 points, while Courtney Vandersloot pulled the strings from the backcourt, securing and all-action 15 points, 7 assists and 3 steals.

In the other Group C game, Spar Girona had to survive a major scare against TTT Riga, with the Latvians having the last shot of the game for the win. However it rimmed out and Girona breathed a sigh of relief as they sneaked an 81-79 win, thanks mainly to Sonja Vasic who finished with 19 points.

 
Hub hosts Sopron Basket got off to a winning start in Group D as they outpaced Bourges Basket 70-60. They got the job done down the stretch and were thankful to a trio of performers for standing out. Gabby Williams harvested a team-high 19 points, with Briann January and Jelena Brooks adding 18 points and 17 points respectively. 

FIBA