Emma Meesseman has further cemented her legendary status by becoming the most decorated player in the modern era of the EuroLeague. Entering this edition of the tournament tied with six titles alongside Diana Taurasi, Alba Torrens, and Natalia Vieru, the Belgian player made history by achieving her seventh championship win. Meesseman contributed significantly to the victory with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
However, it was her compatriot, Julie Allemand, who was named the MVP of the Final Six. The Belgian point guard narrowly missed a spectacular and memorable triple-double, recording 13 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals. Across her two Final Six games, Julie Allemand averaged an impressive efficiency rating of 22.0, with statistics of 12.5 points, 7.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game.
From the French contingent, Iliana Rupert delivered a strong performance with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Gabby Williams added 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, despite a less efficient shooting night (1-of-8 for 4 points).
The championship game remained a close contest at halftime, with Fenerbahçe holding a slim five-point lead. Galatasaray put up a strong fight, particularly in the early stages, with impressive three-point shooting, including several baskets from Marine Johannes, who finished the game with 12 points (4-of-11 from three-point range), along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 turnovers.
Galatasaray was hampered by the absence of the injured Teja Oblak before the Final Six, as well as EuroLeague MVP Dorka Juhasz.
“I am happy,” commented Emma Meesseman. “We had already won some titles during the Turkish season, but we could never feel completely relieved because this was the main objective. Now, the season is over. I am a bit tired, but happy to have achieved my biggest goal so far and to have won my seventh title. But my greatest joy right now is having helped Julie Allemand, Iliana Rupert, and some members of the staff win their first Women’s EuroLeague title.”
Casademont Zaragoza concluded their debut appearance in the Final Six on a high note, securing third place with a 66-63 victory over Spar Girona, who were also newcomers to the competition. Carla Leite, who suffered a facial injury in the quarter-finals against Basket Landes, proved to be a decisive player, scoring 20 points and dishing out 6 assists.
