Irina Osipova led all players in rebounds and assists
A quick-fire start by Good Angels Kosice facilitated a 61-54 EuroLeague Women success against Tango Bourges as Maros Kovacik and his players finally beat their rivals to set up a play-off decider on French soil.
Having lost to their opponents four consecutive times inside the last twelve months, the hosts needed a positive start in this must-win contest and that is exactly what they delivered.
Miljana Bojovic stepped up with 11 early points to set the tone as Kosice blasted their way into a 19-8 advantage, courtesy of a perimeter score by the playmaker.
Bourges recovered from their sluggish opening by responding with eight points in a row to make it a one-shot game.
But, in an encounter littered with substantial runs, Kosice outgunned the visitors offensively and held them to just one basket in almost seven minutes, to finish the half with a 14-2 run and move 32-18 ahead.
When Magdalena Zietara opened the third quarter with a three-ball for Kosice, it looked like they might run away with it, but Celine Dumerc quickly responded in kind.
However, Kosice managed to fend off a renaissance and kept Bourges at arms' length for the rest of the game - or at least until the dying minutes, when the French club made a strong bid to force overtime or snatch victory.
However, having got to within five points in the last 13 seconds after a jump-shot from Endene Miyem, it was Bojovic who fittingly wrapped up a home win by taking her tally to 19 points.
Miyem meanwhile had a creditable 15 points and eight rebounds.
