Preview: Unbeaten Fenerbahce Hosts Landes in Women’s Basketball Showdown

ISTANBUL (Interstat) — An unstoppable force meets a formidable challenger Wednesday when the undefeated Fenerbahce women’s basketball team hosts Landes of France in a Turkey B matchup.

Fenerbahce (20-0 across all competitions) has dominated its schedule, winning by an average margin of 28.2 points in its last five games. Its most recent outing was a 109-60 demolition of Ormanspor on Dec. 27, led by center Megan Gustafson’s 28 points and 10 rebounds. The deep roster, featuring Gabrielle Williams and Emma Meesseman, has faced little resistance this season.

Landes (16-6) arrives in Istanbul on a two-game winning streak, including an 84-76 road victory at Charnay on Saturday. The French club’s success is fueled by guard Leila Lacan, who scored 24 points in that win and is averaging 17.3 points over her last four contests. Interior presence from Murjanatu Musa and Sixtine Macquet will be critical against Fenerbahce’s powerful frontcourt.

The matchup presents a stark contrast. Fenerbahce’s high-octane offense, which has topped 90 points nine times, will test a Landes defense that has shown vulnerability, notably in a 69-60 home loss to Bourges on Jan. 7. Landes must control the tempo and rely on Lacan’s playmaking to challenge the hosts.

This game is the first of a home-and-home series in the competition, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 4 in France. For Fenerbahce, it’s a chance to extend a perfect season. For Landes, it’s an opportunity to hand the Turkish powerhouse its first blemish.

Tipoff is set for Wednesday night at Fenerbahce’s home court in Istanbul.