BC Moscow Turn On The Style To Reach Final

BC Moscow overturned a six-point deficit in the first leg on Thursday night to beat Elitzur Ramla and progress to the EuroCup Women final.

Plenette Pierson tore apart the Israeli side with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists as the Russian team won 78-60.

After falling 80-74 in the opening leg, BC Moscow returned home and rolled to victory and will now take on the winner of the other tie between Galatasaray and Beretta Famila.

Monique Paulette Currie had 15 points for BC Moscow

Alexandra Latysheva went up for a lay-up and sparked a 12-2 spurt that put the home side in front, 24-15.

With the wind in their sails, the Moscow players stretched their advantage to 33-19 with 7:14 remaining in the first half after Pierson laid one up and in, and they ended up with a 46-30 lead at half-time.

That gave the hosts a 10-point lead on aggregate.

Elitzur showed great fight, however, and fought back to trail 52-46 in the third quarter after an Ivona Jerkovic jumper. The basket also meant there was everything to play for with the tie level on aggregate.

Elena Danilochkina drilled a jump shot for BC Moscow, though, and the home side reeled off eight consecutive points for a 60-46 advantage.

The closest Elitzur would get the rest of the way in the game was 12 points.

BC Moscow dominated due in large part to their hegemony on the boards. They out-rebounded Elitzur 39-21.

The hosts were also far more efficient shooting the ball, hitting 25 of 43 (58.1%) inside the arc, compared to 38.8% (19 of 49) for the visitors.

Jerkovic and Sherill Baker each had 14 points for the Israeli side.

Quotes BC Moscow vs. Elitzur Ramla

Alexander Vasin, BC Moscow Head Coach:

"I think the key was that we were able to correct the mistakes we made in Israel. Our team is stronger, and we proved it today. Perhaps during the beginning of the third quarter we did not play too well, probably the players got relaxed too early. Now we are awaiting the result of the other semi-final. I am happy that a Russian team again will be playing in the final. This is becoming a tradition and I hope the trophy will remain in Russia."

Eli Rabi, Elitzur Ramla Head Coach:

"I think today BC Moscow played very well. Much better than we did. The home team outplayed us in the first half. We realized that we are missing the chance to get into the final, which we hoped after the first game. But Moscow indeed was better and deserved this victory. We wish the Russian team all the best in the final. Good luck to Plenette [Pierson] and Monique [Currie] who played for our team last season."