Near East University Women's Basketball Team representing our country at FIBA Eurocup became the owner of the European Cup by defeating Bellona AGU 63-58 in the final match. Near East University succeeded in becoming the first Turkish Cypriot team to print its name in the European history after the Turkey Cup.

According to a statement made by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of the Near East University reached championship in the last quarter of the final match with Quanitra Hollingsworth, Courtney Vandersloot, Kayla McBride, Angelica Robinson and Essence Carson.

While the two teams started with the opposing baskets, Bellona AGU managed to complete the first period with an advantage, Bellona AGU 25-12 NEU.

In the second period, Near East University tried to close the gap, however, both teams confronted each other hard and did not give easy chance to each other to make scores and the period ended with a result of 33-24, in advantage of AGU.

In the third period, Bellona AGU found more points with Tanisha Wright and Lara Sanders and the gap went up to 13 (25-38). However, Yelena Leuchanka from the Near East University reduced the gap with 6-point series down to 8 points. The third period ended with Bellona AGU's 47-39 advantage.

In the final period, the host Near East University made an impressive pressure on its opponent and in the last 2 minutes, Near East University managed to get ahead 60-54 and ended the match 63-58, winning the match and becoming the owner of FIBA Women's Eurocup.

Highlights ...

Near East University: Quanitra Hollingsworth 16 points, 10 rebounds, Yelena Leuchanka 13 points, 9 rebounds, Esence Carson 9 points, 4 rebounds, Kayla McBride 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, Angelica Robinson 6 points, 1 rebound, Courtney Vandersloot 6 points, 4 assists, 8 rebounds, Olcay Cakir 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 points, 1 assist, Elin Eldebrink 8 assists were the leading names of the team.

Bellona AGU: Chelsea Gray scored 16 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, Lara Sanders 12 points, 8 rebounds, Tanisha Wright 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, Jelena Dubljevic 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists.

Zafer Kalaycıoğlu: "We are happy to take the cup to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ..."

Near East University Women's Basketball Team Head Coach Zafer Kalaycıoğlu, who shared his feelings after the match, said that he had great happiness both for himself name and on behalf of the team. Head Coach Kalaycıoğlu said, "With the championship and the Cup, we have crowned all the achievements so far we have achieved until today. We have the pride and joy of fulfilling the promise to bring in all cups to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I congratulate all those who contributed and supported us so far, and especially congratulate all my players".

The Angels are coming with the Cup ...

Players of the Near East University Women's Basketball Team, the owner of the European Cup, will arrive in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Thursday, April 14, 2017 with a trophy. The Near East Angels will be greeted at Ercan Airport on Thursday at 15:00.