|
Comeback specialists Galatasaray did it again to claim EuroCup Women 2009
Cras Basket came into the second leg of this EuroCup Women final with a 12-point advantage. The hosts did not waste much time in making up the deficit as they dominated the first quarter by winning (23-11) to bring both teams level on aggregate. With solid rebounding and an all-round collective game Galatasaray increased their lead to (33-18) with 17 minutes played . Cras Basket finished the quarter stronger after back to back three-pointers by Suzy Batkovic and Megan Maloney. Despite their side going into the locker room trailing (28-29), they actually led the series by a single point. Seimone Augustus came to live at the start of the third period and scored 7 consecutive points for Galatasaray, while at the same time Elodie Godin maintained the aggregate lead for the guests. Galatasaray appeared to be losing hold of the game as Cras Basket were just 4 points down after a Malony trey (51-47) with just over 27 minutes played. Cras Basket did get the deficit down to 2 points but ended up trailing by 6 points due to late scoring by Augustus and Sophia Young for Galatasaray (55-49). The fourth period was hectic end to end basketball and with 30 seconds left to play in regulation time Galatasaray led by 12 points (69-57) after Marina Kress fired in a couple of free-throws. Cras Basket then poorly executed their next possession with Audrey Sauret-Gillespie turning the ball over which then gave Galatasaray the chance to win the game and the series. The play was set up for Augustus whose last second effort was off target but Young picked up the offensive rebound and tried to tip the ball in, but she failed. Although the hosts had won the game, the series was tied and overtime was required. Young dominated the first three minutes of overtime as Galatasaray's lead increased (76-59). Cras Basket started to look tired and with only Mahoney playing to her strength, the Italians club side went on to lose the quarter. Hence the game and the series and the EuroCup Women 2009 trophy went to Galatasaray. Young led the way for the winners with 27 points while fellow American Augustus scored 23 points. Galatasaray will be allowed to played in the EuroLeague Women next season. EuroCup Basketball semi-final second leg results EuroCup Basketball semi-final first leg results Return to Women Playing Basketball blog Return to EuroCup Women Index page Picture credits: Tuncay Şen Date created: 09 April 2009
|
