Basket Landes forces decisive Game 3 against Galatasaray with thrilling comeback victory
Celebration by the players of Basket Landes after their victory vs Galatasaray 25 Feb 2026
Impossible n’est pas Basket Landes read a banner at the Espace François-Mitterrand this Wednesday, February 25th. Beyond their historic first qualification to a EuroLeague Women Final 6, the French club has now earned the right to fight for direct semifinal qualification after evening their play-in series against Galatasaray.
The 81-72 first-leg defeat in Turkey has been avenged with a 75-70 victory that was more comfortable than the final score suggests. Julie Barennes’ squad dominated proceedings for most of the contest, building a commanding 22-point lead before a nervy final quarter allowed the visitors back into contention.
Collective strength shines against European powerhouse
With the series now tied at 1-1, a decisive Game 3 in Istanbul next Tuesday will determine which team advances directly to the semifinals in Zaragoza, and which must navigate the quarterfinal round. Basket Landes entered the contest riding high on 12 victories from their last 15 matches, displaying the confidence that has characterized their remarkable European campaign.
The Landes faithful will be rewarded for their unwavering support, with confirmation that at least 1,000 fans will travel to Zaragoza for the Final 6. This strong connection between players and supporters was evident as the home team delivered against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Facing a Galatasaray side boasting the competition’s second-best record (6-0 unbeaten in the first round, 4-2 in the second), the task appeared daunting following the overtime defeat in the opening leg. However, the French side’s collective approach proved decisive, registering 22 assists as a team.
Murjanatu Musa once again led the scoring with 20 points and 9 rebounds for a 30 efficiency rating, earning MVP honors. January’s MVP Leïla Lacan struggled slightly with her shooting (11 points on 4/12 field goals), though she contributed 5 assists. The backcourt duo of Droguet and Pardon provided crucial support with their intensity and attacking play.
« Personally, it’s a bit tough tonight in the legs, but it’s the same for Galatasaray, it’s the same for other teams. We’re going to keep going but we don’t have time to cry or shout for joy, » Lacan revealed to Sud-Ouest.
Final showdown awaits in Istanbul
With 15 games already played in 2026, the Landes squad has enjoyed little respite and faces a French Cup semifinal this weekend before the decisive encounter in Turkey. Coach Julie Barennes expressed her anticipation: « The job is done, what was produced is very good. We have the right to a decider and the decider will always be beautiful! We hope it ends well, we’ll do everything for it. I don’t really know how it’s going to go over there but it’s up to us to do even better than here. We don’t make it easy for them, we have qualities, it’s up to us to exploit them to the max. »
The winner-takes-all clash is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30 PM in Istanbul.
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