MUNICH (Germany) - There was an intriguing night in the EuroCup Women Round of 8 as BLMA rocked the holders Galatasaray with a big first-leg victory in Istanbul.

Despite being without a pair of experienced France national team stars in Helena Ciak and Endy Miyem, BLMA still managed to carve out an impressive 64-50 success on the road.

Sami Whitcomb continued her good form with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals, although BLMA will be acutely aware Galatasaray have regularly come from behind this season to advance so will not be taking anything for granted next week. Monika Grigalauskyte landed 16 points and 15 boards in defeat.

One French team that probably can say they have one foot in the Quarter-Finals is Lyon ASVEL Feminin who swept past domestic rivals Tarbes GB with ease.

They collected a 95-68 home success, with five players in double figures and led by 17 points and 14 rebounds from Clarissa Dos Santos and also 18 points and 11 boards from Michelle Plouffe.

The tie between KSC Szekszard and Spar Citylift Girona looks beautifully balanced after a late triple from Agnes Studer handed the Hungarian hosts a 79-73 triumph.

Erica McCall netted 19 points and pulled down 9 rebounds for Szekszard, while Brazilian Nadia Colhado kept Girona in with a great chance by registering 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The home playcaller Zeljko Djokic stated: "Another miracle happened in Szekszard - we have beaten a more qualified and well experienced team.

"It was a team effort, since although we had issues with illness and injuries, we still played well. This win is really for the effort in that teamwork that it made possible in tonight's wonderful game."

FIBA