Alina Yagupova Marks Return to Turkey with a Win
After rejoining the Turkish club Mersin-Çukurova, Alina Yagupova made a successful debut in the EuroCup's Round of 16. Her team secured a convincing 87:67 victory over Kibirkštis. In her 27 minutes on the court, Yagupova contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, while committing 4 turnovers.
Other Ukrainian Players Performing Overseas
Other Ukrainian women's basketball players are also making their mark in foreign leagues:
- Kateryna Dyke, playing for Morehead State, scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 28 minutes.
- Dasha Biriuk, for Ohio State, managed to score 3 points in her 3 minutes of play.
- Tetyana Tkachenko, with Virginia Rams, did not score any points during her 6 minutes on the floor.
On the international stage, Ukraine's men's national team also posted a successful result, defeating Denmark 88:71 in a FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifier. This victory keeps the team in contention for a spot in the championship. The next qualifying window is scheduled for February 2026. The Ukrainian squad began its World Cup 2027 qualification campaign with a 92:79 win over Georgia. Oleksandr Kovliar was the top performer in that game, scoring 31 points along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
These performances by Ukrainian athletes abroad underscore the growing strength and influence of Ukrainian basketball internationally. Success on foreign courts not only boosts the sport's profile at home but also inspires the next generation of players in Ukraine, which is crucial for the development of future talent.