MUNICH (Germany) - The Round of 16 is coming into focus as the last remaining clubs in the competition resume their thrilling pursuit of the EuroCup Women crown.
So, there's no better time to take a look at this season's first set of Power Rankings and see who the favorites are.
Our expert panel have taken into account performances and results so far, as well as the all important Round of 16 draw which has a significant impact on everyone's ranking.
1. CIMSA CBK Mersin
Season record: 2-0 (1-5 in EuroLeague Women)
Maybe a surprise selection after a poor EuroLeague Women campaign, they can make up for it with EuroCup Women silverware. They have the talent in Julie Vanloo, Laura Juskaite, Kennedy Burke and Luisa Geiselsoder and should glide past Kibirkstis. By adding Alina Iagupova to the roster over the break, they're surely the team to beat.
2. Panathinaikos A.C.
Season record: 6-2
Maybe a generous ranking, but Panathinaikos have taken top scalps - not least a win double against the ambitious Crvena Zvezda and also beating Perfumerias Avenida. They have a trio in top gear with Feyonda Fitzgerald, Sedona Prince and Ioanna Chatzileonti. The recent signing of Artemis Spanou is huge and they should see off Sosnowiec.
3. Olympiacos SFP
Season record: 1-1 (1-5 in EuroLeague Women)
There was drama in the port of Piraeus as Olympiacos only just squeezed through with a last-gasp basket in the last phase, so being ranked third is questionable. But having been given a second life and a winnable tie against Estudiantes, can they catch fire and push on? Nausia Woolfolk and Eleanna Christinaki hold the key to success.
4. Athinaikos Qualco
Season record: 7-1
Athinaikos might feel they deserve to be above their Greek rivals after dominating most games. But, they have Sopron Basket next and they must be at their best to navigate a tough test. They have the depth and quality to do it - led by Alexis Prince, Holly Winterburn and Robyn Parks. New signing Kristine Anigwe also adds strength inside.
5. Villeneuve d'Ascq LM
Season record: 6-2
History is against the reigning champions since only Dynamo Moscow have ever successfully retained this famous trophy. Still, they will fancy their chances of reaching the Quarter-Finals by beating an inconsistent Gernika. Watch out for Sokhna Fall and Alexis Peterson continuing to carry the torch in what's been a productive campaign so far.
6. BLMA
Season record: 7-1
A big comeback against French rivals Charnay in the Play-Off Round 1 secured their ticket and now they must cut down a dangerous Mechelen. It will be through a combination of deadly three-point shooting and eye-catching defense. Plus, more great work from Samantha Breen and young French duo Sarah Cisse and Nell Angloma.
7. Perfumerias Avenida
Season record: 7-1
For Avenida fans about to contact the 'Power Rankings Complaints Department', just bear with us. There is indeed a justification to have a higher ranking after 7 wins in 8 games and with Iyana Martin and Khadijiah Cave excelling. But the tie with unbeaten domestic rivals Ferrol will be challenging. In our defense, we have you just shading it.
8. Castors Braine
Season record: 6-2
What an outstanding job Castors Braine did in the previous phase against VBW Gdynia when they swept them aside. It gives confidence for facing another Polish opponent in Lublin - that is if the winter break has not stopped the momentum at the wrong time. De Yona Gaston, Alicia Courthiau and Gergana Ivanova have all been superb.
9. Sopron Basket
Season record: 1-1 (0-6 in EuroLeague Women)
After their epic comeback against Besiktas, it's a 50-50 for this next mouth-watering matchup with Athinaikos. Nika Muhl is expected to be back from injury, so Sopron could justifiably be swapped with the Greek side in the top four. Zala Friskovec and Klaudia Papp are performing well, but the frontcourt is more lightweight than most teams.
10. BAXI Ferrol
Season record: 8-0
As the only unbeaten team left in the competition, Ferrol might feel it's unfair to be down in 10th place in the rankings, but it's only because of being pitched against Avenida. Still, after last year's historic and fairytale run to the Final, you can't count them out. Especially if Blanca Millan and Dalayah Daniels continue to shine as usual.
11. Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen
Season record: 7-1
Are Mechelen the real dark horses of this competition and are they about to reach the last eight by beating BLMA? It's more than possible after a super Regular Season and Play-Off Round 1. They have the December MVP in Kennedy Todd-Williams to inspire them, while Javyn Nicholson and Heleen Nauwelaers have also been impressive.
12. Movistar Estudiantes
Season record: 6-2
Not blessed with massive scoring capabilities, it will likely be defense that propels Estudiantes past Olympiacos if they do manage to overcome their Round of 16 opponents. Nneka Ezeigbo and Frieda Buhner have both had eye-catching seasons, but the 'X-Factor' is surely Lisa Berkani whose 27 points in the last game showed her class.
13. LOTTO AZS UMCS Lublin
Season record: 6-2 (1-1 in EuroLeague Women Qualifiers)
It would not be a big surprise if Lublin jump past Castors Braine and not least because they probably have the most experienced frontcourt rotation in the competition with Dragana Stankovic, Laura Gil and Markeisha Gatling. Meanwhile, guard Robbi Ryan has impressed and if Destiny Slocum can shift up a gear, they will be in good shape.
14. Lointek Gernika Bizkaia
Season record: 6-4
There's still a good chance of Gernika making this ranking look foolish and progressing past Villeneuve and into the Quarter-Finals. On their day they can blow any team away - but also have some serious off days of their own. Which Gernika will turn up? Forward Masa Jankovic has been balling really well, but the backcourt needs to step up now.
15. MB Zaglebie Sosowiec
Season record: 6-2
With the one-two punch of Catherine Reese and Sydney Taylor, there's no doubt that Zaglebie could cause some big headaches for Panathinaikos. The former is a walking double-double and the latter a scoring machine, but if the Polish club are to topple the number two in the rankings, it's the supporting cast who must turn up the dial.
16. Kibirkstis-TOKS
Season record: 5-3 (1-1 in EuroLeague Women Qualifiers)
They have a tough assignment next on their agenda against CIMSA CBK Mersin and will need to do something special to take down a deeper and more experienced opponent. While Kamile Nacickaite Van Der Horst continues to be sensational, the free-scoring guard needs some serious help to try and keep pace with Mersin's firepower.
*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.
FIBA