The stakes rose this past week overseas as the window to earn a championship closed in.
To start the week off, UMMC, USK Praha and Cukurova competed in EuroLeague action on Wednesday, Jan. 15. UMMC and Jonquel Jones defeated Reyer Venezia, 97-44 and secured a trip to the quarter finals. Jones posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and added three assists. UMMC is currently second in the latest power rankings with a 9-1 record.
Alyssa Thomas and Bri Jones of USK faced Connecticut Sun teammate Morgan Tuck of Cukurova. USK pulled out a massive 109-50 victory over Cukurova which also sent them to the quarter finals. Thomas recorded 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Jones added 16 points, three rebounds and five assists. Tuck did not see action in the contest. USK holds the top spot in the EuroLeague power rankings and also has a 9-1 record.
On Saturday, Jan. 18 in Czech Republic play, USK defeated Chomutov, 129-37. Jones and Thomas led the team with 28 and 17 points, respectively. Jones added 12 rebounds and one assist while Thomas contributed eight rebounds and three assists. The same day, Tuck picked up an 86-67 win over Ormanspor in the Turkish league. In the contest she recorded 17 points, two rebounds and one assist.
Jasmine Thomas saw action in two contests in the pursuit to the Polish Cup Finals. In a game against Lublin on Friday, Gorzow pulled out an 88-80 victory in the quarter finals. The following day they competed in the semifinals against Arka Gdynia but fell in a close match, 70-65.
Courtney Williams and Izmit competed in one game this week, against Besiktas. Izmit put up a fight but was defeated 85-81. Williams led all scorers with 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Natisha Hiedeman and Lulea picked up a huge 30-point win over reigning Swedish Champ, A3 Basket on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Hiedeman posted 20 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.