Marija Rezan (CRO)
28/11/2014
News
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'Croatian Pearl' Rezan continues Avenida renaissance

SALAMANCA (EuroLeague Women) - Affectionately known in Salamanca as the 'Croatian Pearl', Marija Rezan was the standout performer for a resurgent Avenida in their latest EuroLeague Women success.

The Spanish side continue to perform way ahead of pre-season expectations after racking up a third win in their opening four games, courtesy of a terrific 66-60 triumph against Turkish juggernaut and last year's finalists Fenerbahce.

Going up against a Fenerbahce frontcourt boasting the talent of USA powerhouse Tina Charles and FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year Astou Ndour was a challenge which Croatia national team center Rezan met in impressive fashion.

She played from tip to buzzer and missed out on a fine double-double by just one rebound after amassing 17 points and was thrilled with her team taking arguably their biggest scalp to date this season.

"We are a great team and I have great team-mates and this is the most important thing for me," declared the 25-year-old.

"We faced a great team like Fenerbahce and we won. It does't matter if I played a lot and I am tired, because we won."

While Rezan took care of business in the frontcourt, her headline contribution was underpinned in the backcourt by Marta Xargay. Spain's national team guard produced her best effort of the season with an excellent 17-point haul of her own.

It is a result that endorses the decision of the club's hierarchy to reach back out to Alberto Miranda and give him another chance at the helm in EuroLeague Women.

"I am really satisfied with my team as we won against a fantastic team like Fenerbahce and we did it keeping our identity - something which  is the most important thing for me," stated the play-caller.

"We played like a team and when we do our job, we can win against everyone - even when we are tied or even behind the opponent."

Miranda also paid tribute to the supporters. There have been many memorable EuroLeague Women nights down the years and he was adamant that, once again, the locals had played an integral part in delivering another evening to remember.

"Having these fans is amazing," he added. "We recovered the magic of Pabellon Wurzburg."

It means that Avenida have a share of the lead in Group B alongside Fenerbahce and also Tango Bourges Basket, who had to fight hard to claim a 79-71 victory against visiting Agu Spor Kulubu.

Energa Torun etched another chapter in their history by taking a first-ever road win in the competition after completing a commanding 82-62 success at struggling BK Imos Brno.

There was a similar piece of history carved out by fellow newcomers Dynamo Kursk in Group A. A week on from their maiden home win in the competition, the Russian side stormed to an eye-catching 92-70 triumph at Good Angels Kosice behind yet another outstanding 19 point and 12 rebound display from Nnemkadi Ogwumike.

UMMC Ekaterinburg are the only unbeaten team in the tournament after they won 66-56 at Wisla Can-Pack, in a game that was emotional for Polish center Ewelina Kobryn who returned to Krakow and the court where she made her name.

"I am happy I was able to play here again in 'my gym' and we knew we would meet a very good team," she said.

"We are happy that we won the game and both sides showed good basketball.

"I think both teams will be growing up and looking to play much better basketball in January through to April."

Meanwhile, there was continued woe for title holders Galatasaray odeabank, after they crashed to a 72-43 home defeat against ZVVZ USK Prague. It means the defending champions remain winless after a fourth straight defeat.

In the final game of this week's round of fixtures, Nadezhda took advantage of Beretta Famila Schio being without their injured kingpin Chiney Ogwumike, to cruise to a 77-58 success on Italian soil.

FIBA