In the space of two matches, Villeneuve d'Ascq almost saved its European campaign thanks to the new format of the Women's EuroLeague. After four defeats in a row, ESBVA-LM scored its first victory against Polkowice on the penultimate day. So, finally with good momentum (2 victories in a row in all competitions) after a horrible start to the season, the northern club could believe in qualification in the event of a victory in Zaragoza this Wednesday, November 27.
And Rachid Méziane's team came very close to being the miracle winner of this first round of the competition… In front at half-time (25-36) thanks to a huge 2nd quarter (5-20), Villeneuve d'Ascq then did not last the distance (68-59) despite the 13 points of Shavonte Zellousthe 12 of Carla Leite (7 balls lost) or the 10 of Haley Peters. The last finalist in the competition is therefore eliminated in the first round this season, and will have to console themselves with the EuroCup. Also, this will allow the ESBVA-LM to focus more on the La Boulangère Wonderligue championship.
Basket Landes offers Schio, Bourges adds a victory
The French contingent will nevertheless be well represented in the 2nd round of the women's EuroLeague. After securing a historic qualification last week, Basket Landes did even better than that by taking first place in the group. The Landes club has granted itself this wonderful privilege by offering itself a team referenced in the Old Continent, the Italians of Schio. The very complete match of Janelle Salaun (15 points at 7/12 on shots, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 interceptions and 2 lost balls), executioner of Basket Landes during the last finals of La Boulangère Wonderligue with Villeneuve d'Ascq, was not enough for the club from the province of Vicenza.
Finally, Bourges, already assured of the second round and almost retaining its 2nd place, did the job by winning its last match in Brno (65-85). A victory which remains important because the successes acquired in the first round will be taken into consideration in the second round of the Women's EuroLeague. A new stage of the competition which will begin against… Basket Landes on December 11. The two French teams have the same balance sheet at the end of this first round (4 victories – 2 defeats).
The configuration of the 2nd round of the Women's EuroLeague for Basket Landes and Bourges
Basket Landes and Bourges find themselves in the same group E, also with Mersin, Brno, Schio and Salamanca. The two teams will each play 6 matches in a home-and-away format. In addition to their double clash between them, Basket Landes' opponents will be Mersin and Brno while Tango will face Schio and Salamanca. With the results of the 1st round also taken into account, it will be necessary to finish in the first four of the group (out of six) to advance towards the play-in and the Final Six.
