Fenerbahce Still Undefeated, Galatasaray and Ros Casares Stays Sharp

The New Year did not break the momentum of the top teams in the current EuroLeague Women season as Fenerbahce remained undefeated, while Galatasaray and Ros Casares stayed sharp.

Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce solidified their status as the lone unbeaten team after scoring a dominating 78-62 win over Euroleasing Sopron on Wednesday night.

Ivana Matovic was in her usual fiery form as she finished with 22 points and nine rebounds, Angel McCoughtry added 18 points and nine boards, while Elena Babkina chipped in 12 points for Fenerbahce, who improved to 9-0 despite playing without superstar Penny Taylor.

“Penny Taylor was injured and because of the Turkish All-Star game we couldn’t practice last week, so I’m happy that we could play a good game tonight,” said Fenerbahce coach George Dikeoulakos. “We are a stronger team, and today our defense was on a high level.”

Meanwhile, Galatasaray started their 2012 campaign with a bang as they clobbered Uni Seat Gyor, 99-46, to improve their record to 9-2 this season.

Diana Taurasi had a sterling performance, erupting for 28 points to go with five rebounds, while Ivanka Matic added 18 points and 12 rebounds for Galatasaray, who were in cruise control right from the opening quarter that ended with them on top by 17 points.

Ros Casares, on the other hand, avenged their loss to ZVVZ USK Prague earlier this season as they hammered out an 81-70 win.

Isabelle Yacoubou spearheaded the balance attack of Ros Casares with 14 points, Sancho Lyttle had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Eshaya Murphy added 11 points for Ros Casares, who also scored their ninth win in as many games this season.

“I'm glad that our team showed character,” said Ros Casares new recruit Lauren Jackson, who had nine points and five rebounds. “In the first half we weren't so good in defence, but we improved it in the second. It's always tough to play against Prague and I'm satisfied that we won.”

Reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Maya Moore had 10 points and five rebounds for Ros Casares.

Complete EuroLeague Women Results (January 11, 2012)

• UE Sopron 62 – 78 Fenerbahce
• Wisla Can-Pack 80 – 64 Frisco Brno
• Good Angels Kosice 68 – 56 CB Taranto
• VICI Aistes 56 – 88 UMMC Ekaterinburg
• ZVVZ USK Prague 70 – 81 Ros Casares
• Bourges Basket 65 – 49 Lotos Gdynia
• Galatasaray 99 – 46 Uni Seat Gyor
• Tarbes GB 69 – 98 Perfumerias Avenida
• Rivas Ecopolis 82 – 63 BLMA