RUS – Spartak edge ahead in race for Russian glory

VIDNOJE (EuroLeague Women) – Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles will later this year try to help a star-studded Team USA in their quest for gold at the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women.

Right now, the trio are in the hunt for two major titles in Europe with Spartak Moscow Region and by the looks of things, it’s going to take a lot to stop them.

All three were in good form for Spartak, the three-time defending champions of the EuroLeague Women, on Sunday in heavyweight showdown against UMMC Ekaterinburg – a team that has USA internationals Candice Parker and Cappie Pondexter and France’s 2009 European champions Sandrine Gruda and Celine Dumerc.

Taurasi had a game-high 28 points, Bird 16 and Fowles 11 in an 84-70 Spartak triumph.

The magnitude of the Spartak and UMMC games can’t be overstated.

Even more players in both sides will compete for their countries at the FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic later this year.

Spartak’s win allowed them to move into first place in the Superleague Women and to take the inside track to the Russian title.

"Anytime you can have success against one of the best teams in the world, it is helpful,” Chatman said.

"As you learn from losses, you also learn from wins. But this is where it ends.

“Two leagues - Russian, Euro - two different sets of circumstances. We will continue working to improve as will Ekat.”

The two clubs will again meet on April 9 in Valencia, Spain, for the third straight year in the EuroLeague Women Final Four.

Pokey Chatman, in her first year as Spartak’s head coach, liked what she saw in her team at Ekaterinburg where 6,000 screaming fans left disappointed.

"And I'm sure another epic match-up will take place."

Chatman says her team is getting better at the right time of the season.

“Yes, we are improving,” she said, “but every team that is successful this time of year is improving.

“With that being said, we understand that our focus and intensity must continue to improve over the next several weeks.”

The celebrations after Sunday’s big win that has left both sides with 15-1 records but allowed Spartak to move into top spot due to superior goal differential, have stopped.

“I won't mention this result again this season,” Chatman said.

“We enjoyed it for 24 hours. It's over! Focus forward.”

As it stands, UMMC lead in the number of titles won this season.

They beat Spartak earlier this year Russian Cup Final.

FIBA