MUNICH (Germany) - Title holders Valencia BC look well-placed to continue the defense of their cherished EuroCup Women title after moving towards the Quarter-Finals with a Round of 8 first leg win.

The reigning champions had a potentially tricky road test at BC Polkowice, but emerged with an 85-77 triumph which puts them in a good position with the second leg at home still to come.

Five Valencia players attained double-digits in scoring, led by 21 points from Marie Guelich, with Cristina Ouvina the standout performer. The experienced guard completed a classy double-double of 14 points and 10 assists.

It could have been worse for Polkowice who trailed by as many as 16 points but managed to cut the deficit in half, thanks mainly to 23 points from Stephanie Mavunga.

Meanwhile both BC Prometey and AZS UMCS Lublin advanced to the Round of 8 after belatedly completing their ties with Castors Braine and Villeneuve d'Ascq LM, respectively. 

BC Prometey had to grind out a one-point win at Castors Braine in the first leg, but the second meeting on Thursday was a lot more convincing for the ambitious Ukrainian club as they strolled to a 79-56 success and a new historic high, reaching this stage for the first time.

Another impressive showing from Tetiana Yurkevichus paced the winners as she claimed a performance efficiency valuation of 33 with 10 points, 14 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 assists. Ariel Atkins was also influential with 21 points.

Some 24 hours earlier, AZS UMCS Lublin celebrated an eye-catching turnaround against Villeneuve d'Ascq LM.

Losing by double-digits to the French favorites in the first meeting, Lublin responded with a superb 85-59 win in the second contest to march into the next phase.

Italian Martina Fassina delivered a fine line of 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. with Kamiah Smalls also impressing by adding 18 points, 9 boards and 7 assists.

FIBA