Euroleague Women : Fenerbahce crowned, Breanna Stewart supersonic

In a Turkish-Turkish final, Fenerbahçe outrageously dominated Mersin and won the first final in its history (99-60). Thus, Marina Maljkovic became European champion thirty years after her father with Limoges. In a state of grace, Breanna Stewart was elected MVP, and broke the record of points for a Euroleague final.

It was Fener’s fifth final since 2013 and its first triumph. To achieve this, following the example of the Russians, the Istanbul club has taken out the money to build a foreign legion – there were tonight many more Turkish fans in the stands than players on the field. Fenerbahçe started the season with two defeats and then won 15 times in a row once the team was complete.

Marina Maljkovic’s team has in its game the best player in the world of her generation, Breanna Stewart (1,91 m, 28 years old), who succeeded in a breathtaking beginning of the game. Fener was led 2-7 to then leave its rival on the spot: 36-17 with 24 points at 8/11 for the American in 11’30 before going to blow a little on the bench. Very rarely seen at this level.

Mersin has a little bit hardened its game and Fenerbahçe has dropped its foot -that’s relative-, so the gap stabilized around the thirty points, but Fener has quickly given a collar, keeping a maximum consecration. The only interest of the second half was to know the exact extent of the damage. Fener’s 99 points is the biggest performance in the Euroleague final since 1959. With 35 points (5/5 three-pointers) and 39 rating, Breanna Stewart was Monstrous.

Bronze medal for Schio

For third place, Schio led the entire game but got caught up in the money time, and it was an improbable three-pointer by Egle Sventoraites that gave the Italians the win over Prague, 59-56. American Marina Mabrey was the top scorer for Schio with 17 points and Prague, on its home court, finishes the Final Four in last place.

The Belgian Emma Meesseman of Fenerbahce was crowned MVP of the Euroleague. The trophy for the best defensive player of the year is won by Alyssa Thomas (Prague). Pauline Astier from Bourges was awarded as the best young player.

Photo : FIBA