MUNICH (Germany) - The Quarter-Finals are about to land and that means just eight teams are still left standing in their quest to be crowned this year's EuroCup Women champions.
So, it's a great opportunity to take a look at the updated Power Rankings and see who the favorites could be.
Our expert panel have taken into account performances and results so far, as well as the all important Quarter-Finals draw which has a seriously huge impact on everyone's ranking.
1. CIMSA CBK Mersin (-)
Season record: 4-0 (1-5 in EuroLeague Women)
Having cruised past Kibirkstis-TOKS in the Round of 16, Mersin lived up to their top billing and now have a tough matchup with Panathinaikos A.C. If they don't play well, the Turkish side will be eliminated, but surely they have the big game experience and physical attributes to get it done across two games. Luisa Geiselsoder could be tasked in slowing down Sedona Prince who has been sensational. It's going to be a fantastic tie for fans to follow!
2. Athinaikos Qualco (+2)
Season record: 9-1
Head Coach Stella Kaltsidou remains on track for more EuroCup Women glory and Athinaikos made a statement by beating Sopron Basket both home and away. The form of Ana Tadic is really boosting their prospects and while their Quarter-Finals opponent Perfumerias Avenida will be favorites in some eyes, you can argue Athinaikos have more game-winners in their ranks, including the likes of Robyn Parks, Holly Winterburn and Alexis Prince.
3. Villeneuve d'Ascq LM (+2)
Season record: 8-2
The title defense of Villeneuve continues for another round and if Alexis Peterson continues to lead in such impressive fashion, then maybe they can complete their mission. Facing a Movistar Estudiantes side that knocked out Olympiacos SFP shows how tough it will be, but with Peterson pulling the strings and a deeper roster with more options such as Sokhna Fall, Alexia Chery and Ameryst Alston, they should have enough in the tank.
4. BLMA (+2)
Season record: 8-2
BLMA lost their last game at home to Mechelen and so a move up two places is maybe generous. Not least since their Quarter-Finals tie against also Lublin feels like a total coin-toss. On paper at least, it could be decided by fine margins. Playing with a tighter rotation than most, there is a lot of pressure on young players like the super Nell Angloma. It's why this feels like such a 50-50 tie. They really need Kyra Lambert to be firing on all cylinders.
5. Panathinaikos A.C. (-3)
Season record: 7-3
It's a mouth-watering matchup against Mersin and the pick of the Quarter-Finals. For Panathinaikos fans upset at drop of three places, remember Mersin are tough, you did lose at home to MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec, and also place a lot of eggs in the Sedona Prince basket. Even if Artemis Spanou and Feyonda Fitzgerald are class acts, it's going to be an immense battle and this team can do it - especially with their amazing fans turning out in big numbers again.
6. Perfumerias Avenida (+1)
Season record: 9-1
Deja vu! Yes, another call to the 'Power Rankings Complaints Department' from Avenida fans - especially after a Round of 16 demolition of BAXI Ferrol and their 9-1 record. The Athinaikos tie will be fantastic and it will be the defense of Avenida that can make this ranking look misplaced. As well as Khadijiah Cave continuing her good form, although maybe will hinge on the backcourt production. Can Iyana Martin and Claudia Soriano shine even more?
7. LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin (+6)
Season record: 8-2 (1-1 in EuroLeague Women Qualifiers)
We said in the Round of 16 edition that it would not be a surprise if Lublin conquered Castors Braine and so it came to pass. Now it's cut and paste for the Quarter-Finals, because there looks to be very little separating the Polish club and BLMA. Especially since Lublin are the best three-point shooting side in the competition - led by Robbi Ryan who's sunk more than half her shots from downtown. It could be key to taking down their French opponents.
8. Movistar Estudiantes (+4)
Season record: 7-3
There were big scenes in Piraeus after Estudiantes took a dramatic win against Olympiacos. It was built on energy, defense and frontcourt duo Nneka Ezeigbo and Frieda Buhner. The latter continues to show what an elite young player she is. Now they are looking turn this into another Cinderella story by beating holders Villeneuve d'Ascq LM - and perhaps follow in the footsteps of another Spanish club last year in Ferrol, who made a first fairytale Final.
*The power rankings are put together by our expert panel. They are entirely subjective and are in no way a true and accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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