This Libs Abroad Weekly Roundup could be dubbed “Friendly Competition Week” as three separate head-to-head matchups took place between Australia, France, and Spain with no shortage of close finishes and big-time performances. Let’s get into it.
Sami Whitcomb led all scorers this week with a game-high 25 points on a stellar 77.8% (7-9) from the field, 66.7% (4-6) from three-point range, and 87.5% (7-8) at the free throw line in Perth’s 92-88 win against Bendigo.
In her second meeting against Jocelyn Willoughby last Saturday, Whitcomb helped the Lynx secure an 87-68 W, tallying a team-best 19 points and seven assists on a combined 61.5% (8-13) and 60% (3-5) from distance.
Marine Johannès took control in Lyon’s Round of 16 EuroCup playoff matchup against Sf. Gheorghe when she posted a near double-double of 22 points and nine dimes while converting on an efficient 66.7% (8-12) from the floor and 60% (6-10) from three.
Fresh off her 28th birthday, MJ led her club to a convincing 76-58 victory when she took on Marine Fauthoux and Landes in their first LFB meeting of the season. In the contest, Johannès added eight points and six assists across 26 minutes.
In what was the top all-around performance of the week, Kayla Thornton paced Southside’s offense in all categories finishing with a team-high 22 points, 13 boards, and seven assists on 50% (8-16) shooting en route to a 97-81 victory over Canberra.
Jocelyn Willoughby finished with 18 points for the second game in-a-row against Perth, extending her double-digit scoring streak to 13 games. Willoughby also knocked down 40% (2-5) from three, secured four rebounds, and swiped a trio of steals in the contest.
Sika Koné drew a Libs Abroad head-to-head matchup this past week, taking on Michaela Onyenwere and Avenida. In Gran Canaria’s hard-fought loss, Sika recorded a game-high double-double with 16 points and 13 boards on 70% (7-10) from the field; her 14th double-double of the season and 18th consecutive finish in double figures.
Michaela Onyenwere helped lift Avenida to a 75-73 win against Gran Canaria behind an 11-point and four-rebound outing in 30 minutes of play. Mic followed up with a 75-61 victory in EuroLeague where she added three points, five boards, and a pair of steals.
Raquel Carrera totaled 11 points, four steals, and three boards while netting an efficient 83.3% (5-6) from the field as Valencia defeated Ensino–85-50.
Later in the week, Carrera tallied eight points and seven rebounds on 44.4% (4-9) shooting across 31 minutes of EuroLeague action.
Marine Fauthoux also celebrated her birthday this week in between an LFB and EuroLeague two-game split. Fauthoux added eight points apiece in both contests and dished four assists on Wednesday.
| Date | Player | Opponent | |
| Sat, Jan. 28 | Kayla Thornton | Adelaide | 3:30 am ET |
| Sat, Jan. 28 | Marine Johannès | Bretagne | 1:45 pm ET |
| Sat, Jan. 28 | Sika Koné | Ensino | — |
| Sat, Jan. 28 | Michaela Onyenwere | IDK Eustotren | — |
| Sat, Jan. 28 | Jocelyn Willoughby | Townsville | 9:30 pm ET |
| Sun, Jan. 29 | Sami Whitcomb | Melbourne | 11:30 am ET |
| Sun, Jan. 29 | Raquel Carrera | Zaragoza | — |
| Sun, Jan. 29 | Marine Fauthoux | Hainaut | — |
| Wed, Feb. 1 | Marine Johannès | Sf. Gheorghe | 12:00 pm ET |
| Wed, Feb. 1 | Marine Fauthoux | Kangoeroes | 1:30 pm ET |
| Wed, Feb. 1 | Raquel Carrera | Polkowice | 2:00 pm ET |
| Wed, Feb. 1 | Michaela Onyenwere | Sopron | 2:30 pm ET |
| Wed, Feb. 1 | Sami Whitcomb | Townsville | — |
For more information on Libs Abroad Presented by Withings, including upcoming games, up-to-date statistics/standings, weekly recaps, and monthly player features, please visit nyliberty.com throughout the 2022-23 WNBA off-season.