Delta ICP Kosice may be EuroLeague Women newcomers, but they weren't ready to pay any early respects to vistors Bourges, 3-time winners of the competition.

		Jennifer Smith

Unfortunately for the home side, experience eventually told and they were unable to spring a suprise victory.

Kosice raced out to an early lead, but a 7-point run from the French side was enough to give them a 20-25 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Bourges consolidated their advantage in the second and a 12-0 run put the game well under their control. At halftime, they led 30-49 and Latvian sharpshooter Anete Jekabsone had 16 points to her name.

The lead to ballooned to 28 points in the third quarter and it was clear that Bourges would be the victors. The home side refused to give up and managed to make the final score respectable, but they still dropped the game, 67-79.

Jeksabone finished the game with 18 points to her name while point guard Celine Dumerc had 9 points and 8 assists.

Jennifer Smith led Kosice's losing effort with 21 points and 10 rebounds. 

Vladimir Karnay, Head Coach Kosice:

"We paid the newcomer price. In the beginning the teams were checking each other out, but after Bourges stepped up the game, we were not able to catch their pace. After half time we were losing by 20 points, but I can express great satisfaction with the second half."

Slavka Frniakova, Kosice:

"In the 2nd quarter we were not able to keep pace with their fast counter-attacks, but I am happy that even during a unfavourable score we kept fighting. In the Euroleague it pays off to fight for every point."

Pierre Vincent, Head Coach Bourges:

"We did not have the necessary information about Kosice, so at the beginning we were just checking them out. I am happy with our shooting percentage in the first half. Less so in the second half, because if we were playing against a stronger opponent, we could have lost the game."

Nina Bjedou, Bourges:

"We knew that they can play quickly, so we tried to disrupt their attacks. For the most part of the match we were successful, but not in the end. However our long distance shooting decided the match."