Spanish teams Spar Girona and Casademont Zaragoza have advanced to the women's EuroLeague Final Six semifinals after victories in Zaragoza. Girona beat Umana Reyer Venezia 70-64, and Zaragoza defeated Basket Landes 53-69 before 11,000 fans. They now aim to reclaim a title Spain last won in 2012.
Casademont Zaragoza overcame a tough start at the packed Pabellón Príncipe Felipe arena with 11,000 fans. Carla Leite was accidentally injured early in the first quarter, but coach Carlos Cantero's team rallied. Bench players Aminata Gueyé, Laia Flores, and Stephanie Mawuli drove a strong defense that held Basket Landes to eight points in the second quarter, leading 26-35 at halftime.
Merritt Hempe and Mariona Ortiz paced the offense in the second half, with Ornella Bankole key against the French side. Murjanatu Musa scored 19 points for Landes, but it fell short. Zaragoza surged to 40-62 after the third and won 53-69, advancing to face Galatasaray in the semifinals.
Spar Girona, led by Roberto Íñiguez, beat Umana Reyer Venezia 70-64 despite injuries and Chloe Bibby's struggles. Klara Holm had 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists; Juste Jocyté tallied 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists; Mariam Coulibaly dominated with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Ainhoa López, Laura Quevedo, and Carolina Guerrero provided crucial minutes, setting up a semifinal against Fenerbahce.
