Heartbreak For Targoviste On Debut

Schio's Laura Macchi spoiled the welcome party of Targoviste, as she drained a game-winning triple with three seconds to go

Laura Macchi inflicted heartbreak on EuroLeague Women debutantes Municipal Targoviste as she delivered a three-pointer dagger in the dying seconds to hand Famila Schio a thrilling 76-75 road win in Group B.

In a game littered with runs and where the pendulum swung frantically in both directions, a highly entertaining affair was decided by the veteran poise and proven game-winning ability of Macchi.

It was arguably rough justice on Targoviste who had been looking for a fairytale start to life at the elite level and backed by a noisy and passionate home crowd, they came within a whisker of a memorable first outing.

There was little to split the teams in the first half which Schio shaded 42-40, but during the third period, the home team exploded to turn a seven point deficit into a six point lead at 58-52 after a flurry of perimeter scores.

When Schio fought back to lead 67-61 in the last quarter, Targoviste looked done and dusted, but they rallied and when Gabriela Marginean stole the ball and made a great spin move to finish a fast break, the hosts sensed victory.

They were 73-70 in front with less than 90 seconds left but Macchi had other ideas.

She completed an and-1 play to tie the game and despite Elina Babkina looking to have sealed the win for Targoviste, Macchi remained cool as ice to stroke home the killer blow from downtown.

Eleven missed free-throws were also fatal for Targoviste who had Jillian Robbins and Ksenia Tikhonenko claim double-doubles whilst Macchi led the way for the Italians with 18 points alongside a great shooting peformance by Jenifer Nadalin, who finished with 16 points.

Quotes Municipal Targoviste vs. Famila Schio

Famila Schio head coach Maurizio Lasi:
"We won because we were a team. We could have won as well as we could have lost. CSM Targoviste is a good team, who made a good game in their first participation in EuroLeague Women. The atmosphere was great."

Famila Schio player Laura Macchi:
"I expected to find a determined team, because it is their first participation in EuroLeague Women. I am very glad because we won and I want to congratulate my teammates. I consider that our team won because of our unity, we played like a team."

Targoviste head coach George Dikeoulakos:
"The surgery was a succes, but the patient died. I believe that the luckier team won, we played well, but we lost. Let's don't forget that we are a new team, at the first participation in EuroLeague Women. It is very important to forget what happened tonight and focus on a new beginning."

Targoviste player Elina Babkina:
"We are not satisfied with the result, but we played a good game. It was a great atmosphere, and we thank the fans."