Several stellar performances from backcourt players highlight the second week of EuroLeague Women action, leading to a few surprising outcomes. At the same time, favored teams, including Fenerbahçe, sailed to easy wins.
The second week of the 2024-25 EuroLeague Women season is in the books.
The top performance came from former New York Liberty and current French national team guard Marine Johannès, who scored 24 points (6-for-11 from 3) and dished out six dimes for ÇBK Mersin in their win over Žabiny Brno.
But since this is the EuroLeague, there were plenty of other performances and games worthy of attention.
Strong games by guards make for surprise wins
The beauty of the EuroLeague is that you get to see a plethora of players popping off. Veronika Kányási, the backup guard for the Hungarian national team, came off the bench for DVTK in their game against one of the competition’s favorites, Beretta Famila Schio. Kányási dropped 17 points (3-for-6 from 3) and grabbed five boards, while her team won 70-63.
Polkowice, playing against last year’s finalists Villeneuve d’Ascq, weren’t expected to win by that big of a margin. The final score, 90-63, showed which team was better that day. Polkowice are a different group than a year ago, with Alexis Peterson, Rennia Davis and Emma Cannon all starting for the Poles. Peterson was particularly instrumental in her team’s win, as she not only scored 14 points but also dished out nine dimes. Cannon scored 22 points and grabbed 10 boards.
Blowouts abound
Fenerbahçe, Praha and Bourges Basket scored big wins during their games. Fener dominating wasn’t that big of a surprise, especially considering how Emma Meesseman and Gabby Williams are looking as a tandem. The Belgian-French collab combined for 36 points, 10 boards and 10 assists, and the reigning champs won against Zaragoza 84-64. Praha was carried by Maria Conde’s all-around performance, with 26 points, 10 boards, five assists and three steals. The Spaniard led the Czechia champs to a 82-68 win over UNI Győr. Bourges won 88-53 against Olympiacos, following a solid game by Amy Okonkwo, who had 20 points and six rebounds.
The “Game of the Week” didn’t disappoint
In the duel between two of the tournament’s favorites, Valencia went up 19-6 against Venezia in the first quarter, with Bernadett Határ dominating in the middle. It seemed like the visitors might sail to an easy win. But in time, Awak Kuier (14 points) was slipping past her defenders, while Lorela Cubaj was phenomenal guarding the basket. Venezia tied the score by the end of the third quarter. The performance of the game, though, came from reserve shooting guard, Frenchwoman Lisa Berkani, who scored 18 points (50 percent from the floor, 57 percent from 3). In a duel of evenly matched teams, the one that was more focused—Venezia—won, 75-67. Can’t wait for the rematch in Valencia!
