EuroLeague Women: Spar Girona Makes History, Reaches Final Six Semifinals (70-64)

ZARAGOZA — Spar Girona defeated Umana Reyer Venezia 70-64 in EuroLeague Women, with decisive performances from Juste Jocyte and Mariam Coulibaly, securing their place in the Final Six semifinals and achieving a historic milestone for the Catalan club in their most successful season in the competition.

box score

The game started with tension and back-and-forth play, typical of two teams making their debut in this decisive phase of EuroLeague Women. However, Spar Girona found their rhythm from beyond the arc, punishing Venezia with accurate three-pointers and building intensity on both ends of the floor.

The turning point came late in the second quarter. A run fueled by several three-pointers allowed Spar Girona to open up a 35-24 lead, an advantage they maintained thanks to a buzzer-beater from Klara Holm before halftime. That psychological blow left Umana Reyer Venezia fighting an uphill battle throughout the second half.

After the break, the Italian squad attempted a comeback, raising their competitive level and cutting into the deficit. Still, Spar Girona managed the pressure moments down the stretch, relying on their rebounding dominance and ability to generate second-chance opportunities, which proved crucial in maintaining their lead until the final buzzer.

On the individual side, Mariam Coulibaly was dominant in the paint with 19 points and 15 rebounds, posting a decisive double-double, while Juste Jocyte led the perimeter game with 18 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, displaying maturity beyond her years in a high-pressure EuroLeague Women setting.

One of the most revealing statistics from the game was Spar Girona's impact on the offensive glass, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and converting them into a commanding 22-0 second-chance points advantage, a difference that ultimately decided the outcome.

Spar Girona breaks their recent inconsistent streak and secures a crucial victory in EuroLeague Women, solidifying their competitive growth and ability to perform under maximum pressure.

With this win, the Catalan team advances to the Final Six semifinals, where they will face powerhouse Fenerbahce Opet, while Umana Reyer Venezia exits after squandering an important opportunity, penalized by their lack of consistency in the first half.