Sopron Basket extend unbeaten start, TTT Riga get first victory on the board

MUNICH (Germany) - Sopron Basket collected a win on Thursday night to ensure they are one of only three teams still with a perfect record, while TTT Riga got off the mark at the third attempt.

Sopron Basket had won both of their road games to open up the campaign and didn't want to slip up while playing for the first time in front of their own fans in this season's competition. Much to their relief, they navigated a tricky matchup with Beretta Famila Schio to take a 67-58 triumph in Group B.

A strong defensive performance in the second half was a difference-maker, as was yet another majestic offering from center Bernadett Hatar. She continued her excellent form with a big double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Gabby Williams and Nevena Jovanovic registered important cameos. 

"I'M REALLY PROUD HOW WE FOUGHT. SCHIO WAS A TOUGH OPPONENT BUT WE WORKED FOR EACH OTHER AS A UNIT." - Gabby Williams

Schio had looked like they could be on course for victory when they led in the third quarter and especially behind the hot hand of Kitija Laksa, who had five triples in the game and finished with 17 points. But, they dried up offensively in the closing minutes to fall to 1-2 in the group.

With both teams heading into the contest 0-2 in Group A, something had to give when TTT Riga hosted MBA Moscow and it was the Latvians who rolled to their first win of the season with a 64-59 success. In the process of doing so, they denied their opponents an elusive maiden victory in the competition.

Yet MBA had every chance to make it a historic night and had the lead in the middle of the fourth period, but TTT finished strongly, led by Jasmine Thomas. She dropped the go-ahead triple with less than 90 seconds remaining and also converted some clutch free-throws to top score with 19 points.

There were also pivotal contributions from Daugile Sarauskaite who had 12 points and 8 boards, with Ieva Pulvere adding 16 points. Zhosselina Maiga stood out for MBA with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. 

FIBA