Sparta&K Extract Revenge Against Wisla

Nika Baric produced one of her best performances for Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje in the EuroLeague Women, scoring 15 points

Having crashed in Krakow earlier in the campaign, Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje threw a punch back in the direction of Wisla Can-Pack by wrapping up an impressive 89-63 blowout to extract sweet revenge against their Group A rivals.

With the disappointment of their previous 76-64 loss still in the memory bank, Sparta&K wasted little time in trying to make amends whilst simultaneously writing a sizable statement as to their potential Final Eight credentials.

They were firmly on top right from the outset against a Wisla team not able to field the influential Alana Beard.

The hosts blasted their way into a huge opening lead after Marina Kuzina scored inside to put her team 21-8 ahead.

Wisla tried their best to reel Sparta&K back and avoid being blown away, but it was an uphill struggle and the best they could manage by the interval, was to get within 45-32.

When point guard Cristina Ouvina made a fast-break score early in the third quarter, a potential comeback suddenly looked like a possibility for Wisla as they cut the deficit to single digits.

But, oozing quality and with superior depth all over the floor, Sparta&K extinguished the dreams of the visitors with a decisive 16-6 burst.

Just as firmly in control during the last ten minutes, Pokey Chatman and her players subsequently eased their way to the victory.

Twenty-year-old Slovenian ace Nika Baric produced one of her best ever EuroLeague Women performances, managing to secure 15 points as one of five Sparta&K players to reach double-figures.

Paulina Pawlak was the pick for the losing team with eight points, four rebounds and three assists.

Quotes Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje vs. Wisla Can-Pack

Wisla Can-Pack head coach Jose Hernandez

"After losing some players to injuries, and especially Beard, we knew we would have a difficult task here in Vidnoje. What made things worse was that Spartak was in a very good day and my players did not play the defence which I know they could and have played. Now we need to concentrate on our home game versus Rivas because it is very important for us."

Wisla Can-Pack player Anke De Mondt

"One of the factors which determined the final result was the injuries of some of our key players. At the same time today we were missing shots just as Spartak was missing shots in Krakow. That is basketball....we tried to fight back but Spartak was having a very good day and when they are so good it is very difficult to defeat them especially at their home."

Sparta&K head coach Pokey Chatman

"We played solid basketball at both ends of the court. At the same time I had the opportunity to give quality time to many players and to better prepare for some upcoming challenging games. We feel that if we can keep teams scoring in the 60s it will be difficult for us to lose. We just have to continued playing team basketball and being focused."

Sparta&K player Candice Dupree

"In my opinion the fact that we played very good defense was the key to defeating Krakow, which we all know is a very good team. At the same time our strong offensive effort helped us reach this desired result. But what I have to point out is that we had a balanced attack and that can be seen by the fact that we had five players scoring double digits."

Quotes Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje vs. Wisla Can-Pack

Wisla Can-Pack head coach Jose Hernandez

"After losing some players to injuries, and especially Beard, we knew we would have a difficult task here in Vidnoje. What made things worse was that Spartak was in a very good day and my players did not play the defence which I know they could and have played. Now we need to concentrate on our home game versus Rivas because it is very important for us."

Wisla Can-Pack player Anke De Mondt

"One of the factors which determined the final result was the injuries of some of our key players. At the same time today we were missing shots just as Spartak was missing shots in Krakow. That is basketball....we tried to fight back but Spartak was having a very good day and when they are so good it is very difficult to defeat them especially at their home."

Sparta&K head coach Pokey Chatman

"We played solid basketball at both ends of the court. At the same time I had the opportunity to give quality time to many players and to better prepare for some upcoming challenging games. We feel that if we can keep teams scoring in the 60s it will be difficult for us to lose. We just have to continued playing team basketball and being focused."

Sparta&K player Candice Dupree

"In my opinion the fact that we played very good defense was the key to defeating Krakow, which we all know is a very good team. At the same time our strong offensive effort helped us reach this desired result. But what I have to point out is that we had a balanced attack and that can be seen by the fact that we had five players scoring double digits."