The team from Girona beats Galatasaray at home and qualifies for the semi-finals of the Eurocup
Spar Girona had a magical night in Istanbul yesterday, where they defeated Galatasaray 81 to 83 and secured their second place in a European semi-final. Roberto Íñiguez’s team played their best game of the season at the key moment, with a choral game and a solid defense that countered the physical power of the Turks. Uni showed a great personality, despite the loss of two key pieces such as Rebekah Gardner and Marianna Tolo, injured in the first leg in Fontajau, where the Girona women already won by 77 to 64.
Spar Girona took to the court at the Ahmet Comert Sports Hall with clear ideas and without being intimidated by the rival or their audience. With a great Magarity, who scored 15 points without missing a shot in the first half, and an inspired Mendy, who finished with 20 points and 4 triples, Uni dominated the scoring for most of the game. In the first quarter alone, Galatasaray took a 7-point lead (19-12), thanks to the success of Smith and McCowan, their best players. But a Íñiguez timeout changed the course of the game and Spar responded with a 4-15 run that put them ahead (23-27).
The second quarter was very even, with exchange of baskets and alternatives to the scoreboard. Galatasaray tried to impose their high tempo and inside play, but Spar responded with good ball movement and a strike from the three-point line. Ygueravide, who played a game with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 25 rating, led the Girona attack, well supported by Bertsch and Labuckiene, who did a great job defensively against the Turkish giants. A three-pointer on Mendy’s horn gave Uni a minimal lead at halftime (38-39).
Spar Girona withstands the pressure and decides the match
At the restart, Spar Girona came out determined to decide the classification and increased their defensive intensity. Galatasaray accused the pressure and made mistakes in their game. Ben Abdelkader, the former Uni player, was very uncertain and only scored 3 points. Vanloo and Yildizhan were the only ones to show up for the home side, who saw Spar run away from the scoreboard. A 3-pointer by Peña made it 55-60 at the end of the third quarter.
The last quarter was pure nerves, with Galatasaray fighting for a comeback and Spar Girona resisting their invitations. The Turks managed to tie the game at 72, but two consecutive three-pointers from Ygueravide and Mendy gave Uni some air again (72-78). Galatasaray resorted to personal fouls to stop the clock, but the Spar were very good from the free throw (19/22 in the game) and maintained their lead until the end. A last desperate attempt by Hartley was insufficient to prevent victory and qualification for the Girona team, who celebrated their historic triumph with euphoria.
Spar Girona will play Besiktas for a place in the final
Spar Girona is once again among the four best teams in Europe, as it did in 2019 when it reached the final of the Eurocup. They then fell to Reyer Venezia, but before that they knocked out Besiktas in the semi-finals. Precisely, the Turkish team will be their rival on this occasion, after overcoming Bourges in the quarter-finals. Besiktas has high-level players, such as the Chinese pivot Li Yueru, the Serbian winger Jovana Nogic or the American base Dana Evans. The first leg of the semi-finals will be next Thursday in Istanbul and the return leg on the 14th in Fontajau. Spar Girona will look to make history again and reach their second continental final.
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Friday, March 1, 2024