Quigley And Pierson Slow Down Schio

Plenette Pierson added six steals to her game-high 27 points

Good Angels Kosice duo Allie Quigley and Plenette Pierson produced super displays to inflict a first EuroLeague Women loss of the season on Famila Schio and boost their own team's prospects with an impressive 79-69 victory.

The Italian side touched down in Slovakia searching for a fifth consecutive win in Group B, but were left to taste defeat after Pierson poured in a game-high 27 points and Quigley lit it up from outside with a sparkling five of six from downtown.

The fact that few of their Good Angels team-mates shot the ball in even mediocre fashion was of little significance since they all did other important jobs in a powerful team performance, highlighted by Petra Kulichova pulling down 10 rebounds.

There had been little daylight between the teams for most of the opening half, but a last gasp three-pointer by Miljana Bojovic gave Good Angels Kosice a 43-38 lead and what later proved to be plenty of momentum for when they re-emerged.

The hosts stepped out with real purpose and a 14-6 run had Schio on the back foot and the visitors were unable to recover- especially when Kosice stretched their lead 72-53 early in the last period to give their opponent a mountain to climb.

Natasha Lacy had an all action debut for Kosice with eight points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Jantel Lavender was the standout performer for Schio with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Quotes Good Angels Kosice vs. Famila Schio

Schio head coach Maurizio Lasi:
"We knew that this match was going to be tough, we came here without Laura Macchi, she suffered an ankle injury during the last training session, what meant that we had a very short rotation of players. We felt this lack mainly because the game against the Good Angels was a tough physical game."

Schio player Danielle McCray:
"It was a good match, their players were set for what we have, it was very hard for us because our point guards had to shoot from distance and our defense didn't work as we wanted. We have to recover now and fully concentrate for the next game. I love it here but things are changing. I like the players, fans and coaches in Kosice, I'm always happy to return."

Kosice head coach Maros Kovacik:
"I have to admit I am really happy about the win. The girls played with their hearts, with a lot of energy and to beat the leading team in the group is not an easy challenge. We played well in the second half - we improved our defense and we were successful in offensive rebounds because we managed to get 20 balls what brought us victory. The most important is the victory, it would be nice to accessorize it and win by more points, but we have to be happy with what we have - we are in the top three of our group. It was a very important game for us but also for Schio, because they knew that we are strong at home, but they have very big quality too. Every player has its share on our victory - even the players from the bench."

Kosice player Alexandria Quigley:
"I have to thank my teammates and mainly Miljana Bojovic because she found me everywhere, and I just tried to move and stay active. The crucial thing in this game was defense; everything started with it and was decided by it, too. We also have to say a big thank you to our supporters because during the match we could hear them loud and clear what helped us greatly. We know that every game is important but this one was a bit more for us."

Quotes Good Angels Kosice vs. Famila Schio

Schio head coach Maurizio Lasi:
"We knew that this match was going to be tough, we came here without Laura Macchi, she suffered an ankle injury during the last training session, what meant that we had a very short rotation of players. We felt this lack mainly because the game against the Good Angels was a tough physical game."

Schio player Danielle McCray:
"It was a good match, their players were set for what we have, it was very hard for us because our point guards had to shoot from distance and our defense didn't work as we wanted. We have to recover now and fully concentrate for the next game. I love it here but things are changing. I like the players, fans and coaches in Kosice, I'm always happy to return."

Kosice head coach Maros Kovacik:
"I have to admit I am really happy about the win. The girls played with their hearts, with a lot of energy and to beat the leading team in the group is not an easy challenge. We played well in the second half - we improved our defense and we were successful in offensive rebounds because we managed to get 20 balls what brought us victory. The most important is the victory, it would be nice to accessorize it and win by more points, but we have to be happy with what we have - we are in the top three of our group. It was a very important game for us but also for Schio, because they knew that we are strong at home, but they have very big quality too. Every player has its share on our victory - even the players from the bench."

Kosice player Alexandria Quigley:
"I have to thank my teammates and mainly Miljana Bojovic because she found me everywhere, and I just tried to move and stay active. The crucial thing in this game was defense; everything started with it and was decided by it, too. We also have to say a big thank you to our supporters because during the match we could hear them loud and clear what helped us greatly. We know that every game is important but this one was a bit more for us."