PRAGUE (EuroLeague Women) - USA national team guard Seimone Augustus is pushing the standards even higher at EuroLeague Women debutantes Dynamo Kursk.

The Russian side have made a statement of intent during their mesmerising rookie campaign and Augustus is now pushing for her team to seal top spot in Group A by taking down former champions, UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Having already beaten their domestic rivals in the tournament, second-placed Kursk maintained the pressure with a thrilling 87-85 win at ZVVZ USK Prague as they once again showcased their three-point shooting prowess.

"We needed this victory because we are still striving to be number one in our group," warned Augustus, who hit three three-pointers in the contest.

"It was a very tough game against Prague as we played against great players.

"Both teams were up and down defensively.

"But, we hit some key shots that really helped us," she added.

The contest provided a fascinating match-up for Augustus, who just about shaded her personal duel against the legendary Czech national team leader, Eva Viteckova.

It was one of several key battles which went the way of Kursk, as they proved more evidence to suggest they can't be overlooked for a place at this season's Final Four or the title itself.

Not least because they have another FIBA World Championship for Women winner on their roster in Nnemkadi Ogwumike, who weighed in with an impressive 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

The result contributed towards a potentially dramatic last day of the regular season in Group A.

Kursk can indeed finish top of the pile if they can beat UMMC Ekaterinburg on their home court, in a game which will be littered with the cream of the women's basketball, with Augustus and Co going up against the likes of Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Sandrine Gruda and Alba Torrens.

There will also be a scramble for the Play Offs and the last two tickets on offer, with Wisla Can-Pack going to Galatasaray odeabank and Prague heading to Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration (BLMA).

It’s already done and dusted in Group B, as Nadezhda and Tango Bourges claimed impressive road wins to advance and end the prospects of both Agu Spor Kulubu and Beretta Famila Schio making the post-season.

There was also drama for Fenerbahce, who had to overturn a 17-point deficit against Schio to protect their long-standing winning streak at home in the competition which is rapidly approaching a staggering 30 games.

Shavonte Zellous won the EuroLeague Women last season with fierce rivals Galatasaray but stepped out for her debut on the other side of Istanbul, as she made a series of clutch plays in the last minute to hand her new team a tense victory.

Her team-mate and Turkey national team forward, Tugce Canitez confirmed Fenerbahce had failed to fire on all cylinders.

"We were not organised and focused in the first half," she confessed.

"But, our effort in the second half helped us to win the game.

"It was tough and now there is only one game left to finish the Group in first place."

Despite this close shave and the admission that Fenerbahce were below par, they are still in a good position to finish in top spot.

First or second in their Group, they could yet play Galatasaray in the Play Offs and while that in itself is always a mouth-watering prospect, the switch made by Zellous makes it even more of a potential blockbuster.

FIBA