Taking the court at Schio, Pala Campagnola for the road game in week 8 of FIBA EuroLeague Women, Near East University defeated Italian Famila Schio 65-72. Near East University continues to be the leader of Group B with 7 wins out of 8 matches. Near East University had defeated Famila Schio 67-64 at the home game in Istanbul as well.
Adding French star Sandrine Gruda to their roster, the Near East University signaled to land a first EuroLeague Women title. With the legendary Ann Wauters, valuable guard Courtney Vandersloot , in-form Jantel Lavender and versatile true-player McBride, and French star Sandrine Gruda, Near East University is now considered as a team with the most effective frontcourt. It seems that the new transfer Sandrine Gruda adapted herself to her new team easily as she played previously alongside all of her new teammates including Hollingsworth, Lavender and Wauters. She finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Kayla McBride top-scored with 19.
According to the info released by the Near East University Sports Club, Near East University Women’s Basketball Team faced Italian Famila Schio at Schio, Pala Campagnola on Thursday 14 December 2017 at 16:00. Near East University started the game with Kayla McBride, Courtney Vandersloot, Jantel Lavender, Elin Eldebrink and Sandrine Gruda.
Under the helm of Coach Zafer Kalaycıoğlu, the versatile players of Near East University propelled their team to a precious road win. Near East University proved too strong for Famila Schio as they won Thursday’s only EuroLeague Women game 72-65. The periods were completed as 10-18, 32-43, 54-55 and 65-72.
The home team started the first period and blew a 4-point lead within the first two minutes. Near East University got its first points with Kayla McBride’s three-point shot (4-3). Both teams put a great effort on the court to grasp and get the game. Towards the 7th minute the score was tied to 6-6. Schio had a time-out while Near East University had a 4-point lead (6-10). After the time-out, Famila Schio scored 4 points and tied the score 10-10(2:04). Blowing an 8-poing lead in the last minutes of the period, Near East University completed this period victoriously by10-18.
Without resting on its score advantage, Near East University started the second period with Ann Wauters’ basket (10-20). Famila Schio responded with Dotto’s three-point shot (13-20). Exhibiting striking performance in defense and offense, Near East University began to dominate the game. Blowing a 14 point lead (15-29) towards the last 4 minutes of the period, the versatile players of Near East University gave no way to their rival by effective defense. Although Famila Schio put great effort on the court to make up the difference, the score was 23-38 at the last two minutes of the period. The last two minutes was the scene of mutual baskets. Near East University was the winner of first half of the game by 32-43.
The third period was the scene of tough fights. Familia Schio began to be effective after the 4th minute of the period and they tied the score to 51-51 at the last 2.16 minutes. Famila Schio exhibited higher performance and scored 22 points in this period while Near East University scored 12 points. Near East University won this period 54-55.
Both teams started the final period with a tough defense. However, the in-form players Jantel Lavender and Kayla McBride came up with dazzling points through two and three-point shots. Blowing a 10-point lead with Lavender’s three-point shot (56-66) at the last 3.41 minutes, Near East University kept being effective in all zones. Upon the final whistle, Near East Angels left the court victoriously by a net score 65-72. Thus, Near East University took out a significant road win.
At the halfway point of the Regular Season of FIBA EuroLeague Women, Near East University is currently the leader of Group B with 15 points. Under the helm of Coach Zafer Kalaycıoğlu, the legendary Ann Wauters, in- form Jantel Lavender and Elin Eldebrink, the French star Sandrine Gruda, Kayla McBride with 18 points per game, and the in-form guard Courtney Vandersloot with an amazing 7.9 assists per game have had the biggest creative production so far.
Standouts:
Famila Schio: Francesca Dotto 16 points, 8 assists, Jolene Anderson 13 points, 6 rebounds, Endene Miyem 10 points, 3 rebounds, Cecilia Zandalisini 10 points, 4 rebounds, İsabelle Yacoubou 8 points, 3 rebounds.
Near East University: Kayla McBride 19 points, 4 rebounds, Courtney Vandersloot 14 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, Sandrine Gruda 10 points, 8 rebounds, Jantel Lavender 13 points, 8 rebounds, Elin Eldebrink 8 points, 6 assists , Ann Wauters 4 points, 4 rebounds.
