There was an emotional and exciting farewell for ZVVZ USK Prague in EuroLeague Women this week as they played their last ever game at the Folimanka Sport Hall.
The script could barely have been written for such high drama as the home side came roaring back from eight points down with just 90 seconds remaining against Wisla Can-Pack, to eventually snatch a thrilling 67-66 success and sign off an important chapter in the club’s history on a high note.
The comeback was also apt as it was inspired by two of the players who for so long have lit up Folimanka in the shape of the legendary Eva Viteckova, who sunk a game-high 18 points and also Katerina Elhotova, who hit a go-ahead triple inside the last minute.
“I kept believing and I am very happy that we made it to a victorious end,” declared Elhotova.
“It was very sentimental because it was the last game in the gym, so we were looking back at what we have accomplished here.
“It was a very special moment for me since I started playing EuroLeague Women here and I am glad that I could finish my career (in this venue) with a happy ending.”
Meanwhile Viteckova added, “There were only a few people who still believed that we could turn the game around and erasing a five-point difference in the last 30 seconds seemed a very difficult task, but tactically, we played very well.
“Our team spirit is very powerful and thanks to that, we won the game. It was not nice basketball today but hopefully we made it up to our fans with the victory.”
She continued, “We will not cry because we are leasing Folimanka, but after all these years we are used to it and feel comfortable here.
“We wouldn´t mind staying, because Folimanka has its own charm.
“We will see how the environment in the new gym turns out and hopefully we can take our good results there.”
Elsewhere in EuroLeague Women, there was another chapter of history written on a home floor when Dynamo Kursk won a historic first ever game in the competition. They beat Galatasaray odeabank 72-68 as the visitors and holders slumped to a third straight loss, despite the boost of having Spain national team star Sancho Lyttle back in their line-up.
Nnemkadi Ogwumike continued her rich vein of form with a tremendous 22 points and 11 rebounds, while USA national team-mate Angel McCoughtry harvested the highest score this season in the tournament – scoring 31 points for Fenerbahce as they cruised past Energa Torun.
There was an impressive 78-68 victory for Nadezhda against Tango Bourges as they inflicted a first loss of the campaign on their opponents, while reigning French champions Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration eased to a 66-50 success at Good Angels Kosice.
Finally, a near perfect shooting night and 19 points from Romania national team star Gabriela Marginean helped Agu Spor Kulubu take their first win of the season with a 71-63 triumph against visiting CB Avenida, who were forced to taste a defeat for the first time.
