Get ready for an intense week of EuroLeague Women action! The play-ins are here, and they're bringing us some thrilling matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The Cinderella Story Continues
The EuroLeague Women play-ins have just kicked off, and they've already delivered some incredible moments. From Basket Landes' remarkable comeback against Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring to Casademont Zaragoza's impressive road win over the defending champions, ZVVZ USK Praha, last week's games were packed with excitement. But here's where it gets controversial: the play-ins are divided into two categories, and the stakes are higher for some teams than others.
Play-in Categories and What's at Stake
The play-ins are sorted into semifinal and quarterfinal categories. The four teams in the semifinal play-ins have already secured their spot in the Final Six, which will take place in April. However, the four teams in the quarterfinal play-ins are fighting for the remaining spots, and the losers will be eliminated from the competition. So, while all teams are battling hard, the quarterfinal play-ins have an added layer of intensity.
A Week of Crucial Matchups
All four play-in games this week will be played on Wednesday, February 25, and they're all must-watch events. These games will be streamed live and free on FIBA's EuroLeague Women YouTube channel, so you won't miss a moment of the action. Here's a closer look at each matchup:
Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring vs. Basket Landes (Semifinal Play-in)
When: 1:30 p.m. ET
Where: Espace François-Mitterrand, Mont-de-Marsan, France
How to watch: FIBA YouTube live stream
Players to watch: Elizabeth Williams, Dorka Juhász, Awak Kuier, Kamiah Smalls (Galatasaray); Leïla Lacan, Julie Wojta, Murjanatu Musa (Basket Landes)
Last week, Basket Landes showed their resilience by almost pulling off an incredible comeback, but Galatasaray held on for a narrow victory. The key for Landes will be improving their offensive efficiency, as they struggled to find quality shots against Galatasaray's frontcourt. On the other hand, Galatasaray needs to maintain their strong performance, but they could benefit from improving their free throw shooting.
Fenerbahçe Opet vs. Spar Girona (Semifinal Play-in)
When: 1:30 p.m. ET
Where: Pavelló Fontajau, Girona, Spain
How to watch: FIBA YouTube live stream
Players to watch: Emma Meesseman, Kayla McBride, Gabby Williams, Julie Allemand, Iliana Rupert, Sevgi Uzun (Fenerbahçe); Justė Jocytė, Chloe Bibby, Arica Carter, Mariam Coulibaly, Klara Holm (Girona)
Fenerbahçe dominated last week's game against Girona, showcasing their usual excellence in the halfcourt while also pressuring the opposition with 16 steals and 31 fast break points. Girona will need to take better care of the ball this week without sacrificing their pace of play. Fenerbahçe's offensive prowess is unmatched in the EuroLeague Women, so Girona's defense will have to step up and find a way to disrupt their rhythm.
ZVVZ USK Praha vs. Casademont Zaragoza (Quarterfinal Play-in)
When: 2 p.m. ET
Where: Pabellón Príncipe Felipe, Zaragoza, Spain
How to watch: FIBA YouTube live stream
Players to watch: Janelle Salaün, Bridget Carleton, Sania Feagin, Valeriane Ayayi, Maite Cazorla, Pauline Astier (Praha); Carla Leite, Stephanie Mawuli, Helena Pueyo, Mariona Ortiz, Nadia Fingall (Zaragoza)
Zaragoza dominated Praha last week, and now they have the chance to seal the deal at home. Praha will need to find a new scoring route, as they were missing the presence of Brionna Jones in the post. Bridget Carleton and Janelle Salaün will be key for Praha, as they have the ability to score consistently.
Umana Reyer Venezia vs. Beretta Famila Schio (Quarterfinal Play-in)
When: 2 p.m. ET
Where: Palazzetto Livio Romare, Schio, Italy
How to watch: FIBA YouTube live stream
Players to watch: Kaila Charles, Lorela Cubaj, Joyner Holmes, Stephanie Mavunga, Ivana Dojkic (Venezia); Jessica Shepard, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kitija Laksa, Marième Badiane, Maria Conde, Anete Steinberga (Schio)
These two Italian clubs battled it out last week, and the game came down to the wire. Schio has the upper hand this season, with a 3-0 record against Venezia, and they'll be favored to close out the series at home. Venezia will need to be aggressive on defense and on the boards to match Schio's offensive prowess.
So, basketball fans, which team are you rooting for? Will the underdogs pull off any upsets? And who do you think will advance to the Final Six? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
