Tango Bourges eliminated from EuroLeague after heartbreaking defeat in Schio
Schio emerge victorious in this elimination clash vs Bourges
Photo credit: EuroLeague Women
A decisive battle falls short in Italy
Facing a direct rival for a place in the Final Six, Bourges had little room for error against Schio. With the two teams level in the standings before tip-off, qualification hinged entirely on the outcome. Taking on a side that had suffered just one home defeat all season in all competitions, the French club was up against it from the start, a challenge that ultimately ended in a 77–69 loss.
Despite a punishing schedule—10 games played in 2026 at a rhythm of one every three days—the Tango committed fully to this do-or-die matchup. The task was made even tougher by a shortened rotation of just seven to eight players, with Laëtitia Guapo unavailable for the trip. Tima Pouye carried the scoring load with 20 points, while Kariata Diaby added 17 points and nine rebounds, both logging more than 30 minutes on the floor.
Crucial turnovers seal Bourges’ fate
Despite key players Alix Duchet and Élodie Naigre struggling offensively with 0 points on 0-5 shooting combined, Bourges remained competitive throughout most of the contest. Their physical presence disrupted the Italian side, who were also missing one of their stars, Cecilia Zandalasini. At the end of the third quarter, only two points separated the teams (60-58), and the game was even tied 60-60 after a Marie-Paule Dally layup (16 points total).
The game ultimately turned in the final five minutes. Bourges, solid with the ball for much of the night, committed seven of its 12 turnovers during that stretch. Schio punished those mistakes, closing the game on a 17–11 run in the fourth quarter to clinch a spot in the Final Six play-in and eliminate Bourges, who finished fifth in their group.
JESS, WHAT WAS THAT?!#EuroLeagueWomen x @JShepard32 pic.twitter.com/iaihCj5YfR
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) February 4, 2026
French struggles continue across competitions
Basket Landes, already qualified for the Final Six, faced no pressure in their 78-69 loss to Fenerbahçe, who hadn’t lost at home in nearly a year across all competitions. Coach Julie Barennes limited her 10 players to between 16-22 minutes each, allowing everyone to contribute, including 18-year-old Emma Dechanoz who scored 5 points. Leïla Lacan led the team with 11 points and 7 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Flammes Carolo concluded their campaign with a 70-88 defeat to defending champions Prague, finishing last in their group with just three wins in twelve matches. The French trio playing for Prague proved particularly effective against their compatriots, with Valériane Ayayi and Janelle Salaün scoring 21 and 20 points respectively, while Pauline Astier added 6 points and 9 assists.
No, it's not a joke 🙃
Iliana Rupert with a #EuroLeagueWomen Season High of 8 (🤯) steals! pic.twitter.com/h2WuVoWWhw
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) February 4, 2026
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