Reka Dombai delivered a standout performance. © Fiba
European Championship Qualification Update: Szekszard, Sassari, and Bizkaia Secure Spots in 2026 Regular Season
The landscape of European women’s basketball has a clearer picture as Szekszard, Sassari, and bizkaia have successfully navigated the qualification rounds to earn their berths in the 2026 regular season. Thes seasoned European competitors join a robust field of 42 teams that secured direct entry, including prominent French clubs like defending champions Villeneuve d’Ascq, quarter-finalists Lattes-Montpellier, Round of 16 participants Angers, and Charnay, who reached the Round of 32.
The return leg matches, while decisive, largely followed the script set by the first encounters. In Italy, Sassari maintained a commanding lead for the majority of their game, holding a 64-46 advantage with just six minutes remaining. However, a late surge from their opponents, who outscored them 16-2 in the closing moments, offered a brief scare. Despite this late push, the substantial lead established in the first leg ensured Sassari’s progression, demonstrating the importance of strong opening performances in these two-game series.
Similarly, the Spanish and Hungarian representatives comfortably confirmed their first-leg advantages.In Spain, Laura West orchestrated the offense with remarkable efficiency, dishing out 9 assists in just 18 minutes of play. Her playmaking ability was instrumental in her team’s solid performance, even without a meaningful scoring contribution. Meanwhile, in Hungary, Reka Dombai put on a scoring clinic, pouring in 30 points on an extraordinary 9-of-10 shooting from two-point range, while also contributing 35 rebounds. Dombai’s dominant offensive display was the highlight of the evening and a key factor in her team’s advancement.
A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Florian esposito brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as a former French amateur league referee, a regional-level player and coach, and a dedicated reader of sports analysis. This passion fuels his commitment to delivering insightful and engaging sports content.
