Who will punch a ticket to the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals?
MUNICH (Germany) - We're getting ready to check in for what is guaranteed to be an action-packed EuroLeague Women Regular Season Hub 2.
With the first bubble experience in the books from last month, we know it will be an intense experience for those participating and also the fans.
In addition to our updated guide that looks at the upsides and downsides for each team heading to the four hub locations, we have also updated our Power Rankings and picked out some rising stars looking to post a breakout 2021.
The top two teams in each of the four groups will make it out of the Regular Season, with all subsequent phases of competition also to be organized in hubs. The Quarter-Finals will take place in March and the season will conclude with the Final Four in April.
You can find the full game schedule here.
Group A - SALAMANCA, ESP
3/12 games played
GAMES | GAME POINTS | POINTS | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | Team | P | W | L | % | For | Agt | +/- | FA | AA | |
1 | Perfumerias Avenida | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 159 | 116 | 43 | 79.5 | 58 | 4 |
2 | Nadezhda | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50.0 | 119 | 144 | -25 | 59.5 | 72 | 3 |
3 | Dynamo Kursk | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 148 | 166 | -18 | 74 | 83 | 2 |
4 | Izmit Belediyespor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Perfumerias Avenida
Schedule
vs Izmit Belediyespor (Jan 19); vs Nadezhda (Jan 21); Dynamo Kursk (Jan 22); vs Dynamo Kursk (Jan 25); vs Izmit Belediyespor (Jan 25)
Status
They have a perfect 2-0 record so far and there's no travel involved as they'll be stepping onto their home floor for this hub.
They're in great form, unbeaten and leading the Spanish League, so confidence is high. It's not surprising as their rotation is 9-10 deep so everyone seems happy, is contributing and that makes them hard to stop.
Katie Lou Samuelson is looking like the jewel in the crown for Avenida and is enjoying a super rookie season in Salamanca.
Nothing of note, as everything looks on track for Roberto Iniguez and his team.
Nadezhda
Schedule
vs Dynamo Kursk (Jan 19); vs Perfumerias Avenida (Jan 21); Izmit Belediyespor(Jan 22); vs Izmit Belediyespor (Feb 16 - in Orenburg)
Status
The win against Dynamo Kursk shows what they can do when they get it right, and they will be targeting further victories against Izmit in particular.
Monique Billings has grow in influence since the first hub and can be the player to inspire the team in this bubble.
There was immediate rain on the victory parade over Dynamo Kursk as they were terrible in that last game against Avenida.
They have had an up and down domestic season so far in the Russian Premier League, including a shock 17-point reverse at MBA Moscow when they only scored 46 points.
Arike Ogunbowale of Dynamo Kursk averaged 23 points and 5.5 assists during the first hub
Dynamo Kursk
Schedule
vs Nadezhda (Jan 19); vs Izmit Belediyespor (Jan 21); Perfumerias Avenida (Jan 22); vs Izmit Belediyespor (Feb 18 - in Kursk)
Status
It can't get much worse than those ugly two losses during the first hub and they have found some good form domestically in the Russian Premier League since that Istanbul nightmare.
They've just signed Slovenian national team center Eva Lisec from BC Roche Vendee.
They have the firepower to outpace Nadezhda and Izmit Belediyespor and maybe even keep pace with Avenida through the likes of Arike Ogunbowale.
They are 0-2 right now and under huge pressure to turn things around, so there really is no margin for error.
They have lost an added dimension from the perimeter with the departure of Swedish national team leader Amanda Zahui.
Izmit Belediyespor
Schedule
vs Perfumerias Avenida (Jan 19); vs Dynamo Kursk (Jan 21); vs Nadezhda (Jan 22); vs Perfumerias Avenida (Jan 25); vs Nadezhda (Feb 16 - in Orenburg); Dynamo Kursk (Feb 18 - in Kursk)
Status
After missing out on landmark first Regular Season footsteps because of COVID preventing them from playing in the first hub, they will be even more excited now and this slice of history is something for everyone connected with the club to enjoy.
They have two bonafide game-winners in waiting in Brazilian forward Clarissa Dos Santos and playmaker Erica Wheeler.
Not having that previous hub experience to call upon. like their three groups rivals.
Their domestic form in the KBSL is poor and they have lost half of their games this season and are 8-8.
Group B - PRAGUE, CZE
6/12 games played
GAMES | GAME POINTS | POINTS | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | Team | P | W | L | % | For | Agt | +/- | FA | AA | |
1 | LDLC ASVEL Feminin | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7 | 252 | 207 | 45 | 84 | 69 | 5 |
2 | ZVVZ USK Praha | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7 | 235 | 232 | 3 | 78.3 | 77.3 | 5 |
3 | Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7 | 227 | 224 | 3 | 75.7 | 74.7 | 5 |
4 | VBW Arka Gdynia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 203 | 254 | -51 | 67.7 | 84.7 | 3 |
LDLC ASVEL Feminin
Schedule
vs VBW Arka Gdynia (Jan 19); vs ZVVZ USK Praha (Jan 21); Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo (Jan 22)
Status
They are capable of playing great team basketball and that is reflected in the fact that seven players are all averaging nice double-digit efficiency returns in the French League.
They might have lost against ZVVZ USK Praha in the first hub, but only a narrow defeat means they are in an even better position if it comes down to a tie-breaker situation in the final shake-up.
Perhaps unexpectedly, their French League campaign has not been as impressive as they had hoped at 6-3.
ZVVZ USK Praha
Schedule
vs Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo (Jan 19); vs LDLC ASVEL Feminin (Jan 21); VBW Arka Gdynia (Jan 22)
Status
Brionna Jones was brilliant in the first hub and is still one of the form players of the season and is still destroying everyone standing in her way.
The emergence of Veronika Vorackova as a major contributor this season extends the productivity of the core rotation.
Spanish winger Maria Conde is back from injury at just the right time and the Czech giants have swooped to sign the experienced forward Candice Dupree.
There's a colossal downside after amazing team leader Alyssa Thomas sustained a potentially serious lower leg injury that will rule her out. She has returned to the States for an assessment.
Kayla McBride of Fenerbahce averaged 21.3 points and 3.7 assists per game during the first hub
Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo
Schedule
vs ZVVZ USK Praha (Jan 19); vs Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo (Jan 21); LDLC ASVEL Feminin (Jan 22)
Status
The arrival of Alina Iagupova, last season's EuroLeague Women MVP, gives them a boost in almost every statistical area.
While everyone has been getting excited by the signing of the Ukraine NT standout, the continued good form of Kayla McBride remains a major positive.
Fenerbahce have posted an unbeaten domestic season so far, so arrive at this hub on a high.
There are concerns over leading star Satou Sabally, who was carried off with an ankle injury in a recent Turkish League game, while the usually influential Cecilia Zandalasini is struggling to find top shooting form this season.
The first hub was a real mixed bag for Fenerbahce and they may have to beat both LDLC ASVEL Feminin and ZVVZ USK Praha to prevail.
VBW Arka Gdynia
Schedule
vs LDLC ASVEL Feminin (Jan 19); vs Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo (Jan 21); ZVVZ USK Praha (Jan 22)
Status
They continue to be absolutely dominant in the Polish League with an unbeaten record and have nothing to lose as underdogs in this 'Group of Death'.
Lithuanian Laura Miskiniene-Svaryte touches down having posted the best season of her career and that is a boost with Gdynia having to cope with some tough opposing frontcourts.
They could be in danger of an unwanted 0-6 Regular Season campaign which might not reflect their efforts and performances.
Group C - sCHIO, ita
6/12 games played
GAMES | GAME POINTS | POINTS | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | Team | P | W | L | % | For | Agt | +/- | FA | AA | |
1 | UMMC Ekaterinburg | 3 | 3 | 0 | 100 | 281 | 199 | 82 | 93.7 | 66.3 | 6 |
2 | Spar Girona | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7 | 233 | 254 | -21 | 77.7 | 84.7 | 5 |
3 | Beretta Famila Schio | 3 | 1 | 2 | 33.3 | 218 | 240 | -22 | 72.7 | 80 | 4 |
4 | TTT Riga | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 222 | 261 | -39 | 74 | 87 | 3 |
UMMC Ekaterinburg
Schedule
vs Beretta Famila Schio (Jan 19); vs Spar Girona (Jan 21); TTT Riga (Jan 22)
Status
As if UMMC were not stacked enough, it looks like they will welcome Brittney Griner back into the mix for this hub
They are unbeaten in the competition and also perfect in the Russian League - and playing some great team basketball in both.
Really? Downsides for UMMC? This can be filed under 'not applicable' as things stand.
Spar Girona
Schedule
vs TTT Riga (Jan 19); vs UMMC Ekaterinburg (Jan 21); Beretta Famila Schio (Jan 22)
Status
They now have a great extended rotation established with 9 quality players averaging more than 15 minutes per game, so some great options and tough for their opponents to lock down threats,
They head into this one with a winning 2-1 record, that priceless win over Schio and perhaps most importantly, they will be play this hub on home soil. To celebrate the occasion, they have just laid down a brand new basketball floor!
Sonja Vasic. You will struggle to find a more valuable clutch performer in the competition.
While the win against Schio was priceless, the margin of victory was slender so they can't afford to do anything other than complete the double.
The free-throw shooting this season has been mediocre and needs improving.
Sandrine Gruda of Beretta Famila Schio averaged 19.3 points, 7 rebounds and shot 69.3% from the field during the first hub.
Beretta Famila Schio
Schedule
vs UMMC Ekaterinburg (Jan 19); vs TTT Riga (Jan 21); Spar Girona (Jan 22)
Status
Sandrine Gruda is still the boss and generally unstoppable again this season, while Natalie Achonwa has been terrific in these past weeks and is hitting top gear at just the right time, making it a powerful frontcourt combo!
Home advantage could be really important and Schio will benefit from playing on their own floor and not travelling.
There is a big pressure on Schio in that they will likely have to beat Spar Girona in that last game to progress, with the Spanish having already bagged that first win against their rivals.
TTT Riga
Schedule
vs Spar Girona (Jan 19); vs Beretta Famila Schio (Jan 21); UMMC Ekaterinburg (Jan 22)
Status
The Latvian side were competitive in that first hub, even if they emerged without a victory.
They have been logging some much needed additional preparation via the launch of the European Women's Basketball League (EWBL) season, which has given them slightly tougher games than in the Latvian League.
Ukraine forward Taisa Udodenko is finding some form alongside Kitija Laksa who is still performing well.
They are at serious risk of posting a winless 0-6 campaign which could be demoralizing after some nice wins and campaigns in the last couple of seasons.
Group D - Bourges, fra
5/12 games played
GAMES | GAME POINTS | POINTS | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | Team | P | W | L | % | For | Agt | +/- | FA | AA | |
1 | Sopron Basket | 4 | 4 | 0 | 100 | 279 | 243 | 36 | 69.8 | 60.8 | 8 |
2 | Basket Landes | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50.0 | 128 | 136 | -8 | 64 | 68 | 3 |
3 | Bourges Basket | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 126 | 139 | -13 | 63 | 69.5 | 2 |
4 | Galatasaray | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 124 | 139 | -15 | 62 | 69.5 | 2 |
Sopron Basket
Schedule
vs Bourges Basket (Jan 18); vs Basket Landes (Jan 22)
Status
They have one foot already in the Quarter-Finals with their flawless 4-0 record and don't have to play any back-to-back games in this hub..
The positive momentum has been fuelled further with Briann January and Gabby Williams signing extended contracts.
Sopron are unbeaten all season as they are not only perfect in EuroLeague Women, but also in the Hungarian League.
Playing on their own court probably contributed to that super start, so Sopron might find it trickier without those home comforts.
Basket Landes
Schedule
vs Galatasaray (Jan 18); vs Galatasaray (Jan 19); Sopron Basket (Jan 22); vs Bourges Basket (Jan 24)
Status
They have proven they deserve to be playing at this level by getting that first ever win during their debut so they should be looking forward to building on this.
They have shown their intent to build on that 1-1 start and push forward by signing Serbian guard Nevena Jovanovic.
The rotation is still not the deepest for this kind of intensive tournament.
Bourges lost an epic overtime battle with Group rivals and fellow French side Basket Landes during the first hub
Bourges Basket
Schedule
vs Sopron Basket (Jan 18); vs Galatasaray (Jan 21); Galatasaray (Jan 22); vs Basket Landes (Jan 24)
Status
There is no travel and the recovery mission to get a first win on the board and make a belated push towards the Quarter-Finals will take place on their home court at Le Prado.
They are leading the French League and their domestic form has been terrific, so maybe they can transfer this good work.
Veteran center Isabelle Yacoubou is coming alive and looking like she can be a real handful in this hub.
One of their group rivals is flying and unbeaten in Sopron, while the other two in Basket Landes and Galatasaray have both boosted their offensive options by making some impressive elite level signings.
Losing those first two games has got them on the backfoot and with Sopron next, it could get ugly if they go 0-3.
Galatasaray
Schedule
vs Basket Landes (Jan 18); vs Basket Landes (Jan 19); Bourges Basket (Jan 21); vs Bourges Basket (Jan 22)
Status
Galatasaray have made a refreshed statement of intent by signing not just one WNBA and EuroLeague Women star but two, in the shape of Angel McCoughtry and Epiphanny Prince who both bring not only massive talent but huge experience.
Despite some injuries and roster changes, as well as those two losses to Sopron Basket in this competition, they have been rolling impressively in the Turkish League with a 15-2 record.
It may be an uphill struggle from 0-2 since it's a super competitive group, so losing just one more game could prove fatal.
FIBA