Praha crowned Champions of Europe in emotional EuroLeague Women Final Six triumph

Ten years after lifting their first EuroLeague Women title in 2015, the Czech giants reclaimed the crown with a hard-fought 66-53 victory over CBK Mersin in the inaugural EuroLeague Women Final Six in Zaragoza. In doing so, they delivered the perfect farewell to legendary head coach Natalia Hejkova, who bowed out with her sixth career EuroLeague title, the most by any coach in competition history.

A Night of Resilience, Redemption, and Resolve

Praha’s run to the title was anything but straightforward. After grinding past Beretta Famila Schio in the quarterfinal and pulling off a stunning semifinal upset against defending champions Fenerbahçe Opet, they entered the final as underdogs against a Mersin side loaded with star power.

And yet, for nearly three quarters, Praha dictated the pace.

They stormed out to a 37-20 lead with Valeriane Ayayi scoring 14 first-quarter points, including 11 straight during a remarkable solo stretch. It looked like Praha were cruising to a routine win, until they weren’t.

Mersin clawed back, and Praha went ice cold, failing to score for nearly eight minutes in the third quarter. The pressure was mounting with the scoreboard locked at 42-42 and all momentum with the Turkish side. But then came the defining moment.

Tereza Vyoralova, a model of composure, drained a clock-beating three-pointer to spark a crucial 7-0 run to close the third quarter. From there, Praha never looked back.

Brionna Jones: The Heart of It All

In a game defined by grit and defense, Brionna Jones stood tallest. The USA center delivered a dominant double-double, 24 points and 11 rebounds, earning her a performance efficiency rating of 30. Her presence in the paint was a constant problem for Mersin, both as a scorer and on the boards.

Jones was the foundation, but Praha’s triumph was a collective effort. From Ayayi’s explosive start to Vyoralova’s clutch shooting and Ezi Magbegor’s physical presence, everyone contributed.

Mersin Falls Short Despite Firepower

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Much had been expected from Mersin, a team packed with attacking flair. Marine Johannes, Bridget Carleton, and Karlie Samuelson formed one of the most exciting perimeter units in the competition. But in the final, they combined for a frustrating 6-of-24 from long range, and the team’s total of 53 points was never going to be enough in a title clash.

To their credit, Mersin showed remarkable fight to erase a 17-point deficit. But the energy spent in that comeback seemed to leave them drained when it mattered most. This was their second EuroLeague Women final appearance in three seasons, and while they came up short again, their consistency signals a team on the brink of a breakthrough.

A Fitting Finale for a Coaching Icon

For Natalia Hejkova, this was more than a title. It was a farewell forged in resilience and triumph. Having coached multiple EuroLeague-winning teams across different decades and countries, Hejkova’s influence on European basketball is immeasurable. To lift the trophy in her final game, guiding a group that showcased both tactical discipline and emotional strength, was a moment worthy of her legacy.

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ZVVZ USK Praha didn’t just win a title, they won hearts. They overcame adversity, silenced doubters, and delivered a performance that was about more than just basketball. It was about belief, leadership, and the power of a team united by one final shot at history.

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