Fenerbahçe starts Final 8 with win

YEKATERINBURG, Russia

Fenerbahçe leads the Group B after the first match day in the Final Eight. AA photo

Fenerbahçe started the Euroleague Women Final Eight with a 69-44 victory over Bourges in Yekaterinburg, Russia yesterday.

The Yellow Canaries shrugged off a slow start to power their way past injury-hit Bourges and record a 69-44 success in their opening game at the EuroLeague Women Final Eight.

Bourges was on the front foot from the tip-off and revelled in some fine early play, storming into a commanding 19-10 advantage. However, a Cappie Pondexter triple from deep downtown on the first quarter buzzer kick-started Fener into life and a 12-5 run as it belatedly established a foothold in the game.

After finishing the first half three points behind Bourges in a 31-28 scoreline, Fenerbahçe came out a different team in the third quarter and took the lead with a stunning 25-4 period.

In the other Group B game, Sparta&K Vidnoje beat Famila Schio 88-79.

Fenerbahçe will meet Famila Schio, while Sparta&K will take on Bourges in today’s games.

Another Turkish team in the competition, Galatasaray will play against CCC Polkowice and UMMC Ekaterinburg will meet Good Angels Kosice in two Group A games tonight.