MUNICH (EuroCup Women) - It was a bad night for French clubs in the first leg of their Round of 16 ties, but another memorable night for the lower seeds like MBA Moscow and MBA Ruzomberok.

Slovak side MBK Ruzomberok came back from a 16-point deficit at home to Tarbes GB to post yet another storied EuroCup Women result.

They clinched a dramatic 68-65 triumph after a stunning last quarter turned the game on its head. They had looked dead and buried but a spectacular 26 points form Aaryn Ellenberg-Wiley saved the day. Meanwhile Aby Gaye impressed with 18 points and 13 boards for the visitors.

MBA Moscow made it three wins in a row in the competition and will be thrilled with that, although it remains to be seen if a narrow 71-69 success against Spar Citylift Girona will be enough to see them advance.

 
Veteran Liudmila Sapova chipped in with 16 points for Moscow, with Keisha Hampton replying with 21 points for Girona.

BLMA suffered  badly at the hands of Reyer Venezia. Both clubs have been touted as candidates to win the silverware, but BLMA now need to post a huge comeback in the return game after going down 64-83. Debora Carangelo and Anete Steinberga  were the main stars, with the former netting a stellar 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, whole Steinberga accumulated 24 points and 11 boards.

The French misery was complete after a super start from Wisla CANPACK blew a hole in the hopes of Nantes Reze. It provided the foundation for a convincing 87-67 win that ensured the Poles leaped towards the next phase of the tournament . Five players made double figures and the loss was tough on Briana Day who was excellent as usual for Nantes. She racked up a jaw-dropping 24 points and 18 boards.

FIBA