MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) - The early season struggles of Besiktas were exposed by first-timers Inventa Kursk on Thursday night, while Kristina Higgins registered an incredible double-double for ACS Sepsi-Sic.

Having lost their opener last week, Besiktas were pipped again after going down in agonizing fashion in Russia 68-67. Even a 16-point and 16-rebound display from Evelyn Akhator was not enough to stave off defeat, with Olga Frolkina inspiring Inventa Kursk to a historic first-ever win in the competition with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

"We were prepared for the game and everything went well from the beginning, without mistakes in defense and offense," mused Frolkina.

"We were without any holes, but in the third quarter we made some missteps - things which we will correct. In general, we are very satisfied with the result," she insisted.

Having crashed during week one, there was a super response from ACS Sepsi Sic as they shocked Mersin 87-70 to grab a first victory as Kristina Higgins put up an astonishing 21 points and 19 rebounds.

MBK Ruzomberok also caused a surprise as they rode past KSC Szekszard 65-58, with 17 points from Lithuanian Egle Siksniute the cornerstone of the success.

Bulgarian outfit Beroe are off the mark after beating A3 Umea 68-67 in a nail-biter as Ana Pocek added 24 points and 12 rebounds.

"I am still very emotional after this dramatic match," enthused the Montengrin center.

"We are happy with the result, even though we had a big lead and  then had problems in the last quarter. This win is for our fans, who support us in every single match," she added.

Dragana Stankovic was sensational for Artego Bydgoszcz in their 63-85 win at Sodertalje after going 8-of-9 from the field and blocking a sensational 7 shots.

BLMA and Cukurova are both frontrunners for the coveted silverware this season and they underlined their respective credentials.

Sami Whitcomb continued her hot streak with a massive 31 points in an 11-of-14 shooting performance, including 8-of-11 threes, as BLMA swamped Rutronik Stars Keltern 46-94 behind a spectacular 17 triples.

Cukurova beat Turkish rivals Botas by 63-85 off the back of 24 points from Alina Iagupova.

Elsewhere, Mercedes Russell came up big for Wisla CANPACK in a 56-61 triumph at Tsmoki-Minsk as she landed 14 points and as many rebounds. Lyon are  rolling after a 76-62 success against VBW CEKK Cegled, and the very last game of the night was an overtime classic, with BBC Sint-Katelijne-Waver coming out on top 73-68 against Elfic Fribourg as Elise Ramette fired 23 points.

FIBA