Avenida End Miserable Losing Run

Lucila Pascua finished the game with a personal season-best 19 points

Perfumerias Avenida experienced that special winning feeling for the first time since opening night in EuroLeague Women Group C, after clinching an 87-77 home success against Novi Zagreb.

The last month has been a testing time for all concerned with the Salamanca club, but the 2011 champions ended a miserable run of four losses in a row to claim their second victory of a tough season.

It was center Lucia Pascua and Lithuanian forward Egle Sulciute who did the most to put a smile back on the face of the Avenida faithful with two stand-out performances.

The former had 19 points and five rebounds, whilst the latter weighed in with a super 12-point cameo, barely missing all night, with a five-of-six shooting display.

Low on confidence after their rotten run of late, Avenida started slowly as Novi Zagreb looked to capitalise on their momentum having racked up a historic first win in the competition.

They moved ahead 35-28 midway through the second quarter, but the home side posted a 16-5 run leading up to the half-time break as the pendulum finally swung their way.

And, they continued to hold the momentum in the second half as they kept the Croatians at arm's length, to eventually ease to the win.

Latoya Williams enjoyed her best work of the season so far for Novi Zagreb, with an excellent 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Quotes Perfumerias Avenida vs. Novi Zagreb

Novi Zagreb head coach Vladimir Ivankovic:
"It was a great game. We played very well in the first half and not as well in the second, but Avenida played a very good game, much better than the previous games, maybe because journalists said that it was a do-or-die game. I think we have our chances to qualify for the next round, Ekaterinburg, Galatasaray and Avenida probably will advance and there will be two more places for the rest, but our goal is to represent our country."

Novi Zagreb player Ana Cacic:
"I agree with my coach, we still have our chances to qualify for the next round. I think if we win three or four games more we´ll have it, but what we have to do is working hard every day, step by step and we'll see."

Avenida head coach Alberto Miranda:
"It was a great victory, especially in offense. We had the reliability we missed the games before. Obviously we have to improve our defensive level, because we can't allow receiving such points in EuroLeague Women. Anyway, Zagreb is a great team, with a fantastic player, Mandir, and they never give up."

Avenida Le'Coe Willingham:
"It was a very important victory for us, we are still alive on this competition. We told us that we had to do our best and that's the way. I think today we did an important step as to getting better for the next months."

Quotes Perfumerias Avenida vs. Novi Zagreb

Novi Zagreb head coach Vladimir Ivankovic:
"It was a great game. We played very well in the first half and not as well in the second, but Avenida played a very good game, much better than the previous games, maybe because journalists said that it was a do-or-die game. I think we have our chances to qualify for the next round, Ekaterinburg, Galatasaray and Avenida probably will advance and there will be two more places for the rest, but our goal is to represent our country."

Novi Zagreb player Ana Cacic:
"I agree with my coach, we still have our chances to qualify for the next round. I think if we win three or four games more we´ll have it, but what we have to do is working hard every day, step by step and we'll see."

Avenida head coach Alberto Miranda:
"It was a great victory, especially in offense. We had the reliability we missed the games before. Obviously we have to improve our defensive level, because we can't allow receiving such points in EuroLeague Women. Anyway, Zagreb is a great team, with a fantastic player, Mandir, and they never give up."

Avenida Le'Coe Willingham:
"It was a very important victory for us, we are still alive on this competition. We told us that we had to do our best and that's the way. I think today we did an important step as to getting better for the next months."