![7 Sandrine Gruda (LYON), 23 Marine Johannes (LYON), 11 Blake Dietrick (LYON)](/images.fiba.com/Graphic/3/F/0/F/s4s1z6lXB0CJVVsvRgm96A.jpg?v=20230223215352706)
ASVEL, Villeneuve join Galatasaray in taking strong steps towards the Semi-Finals
MUNICH (Germany) - The trio of LDLC ASVEL Feminin, Villeneuve d'Ascq LM and Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring look well placed to reach the last four of EuroCup Women after healthy Quarter-Final First Leg wins.
A blistering 18-2 start to the second quarter proved to be the launch pad for LDLC ASVEL Feminin as they pushed past fellow French hopefuls Angers, powering their way to an 88-58 victory.
It was an eye-catching team effort, led by Gabby Williams top scoring with 18 points, while Marine Johannes brought the noise as usual in the backcourt; adding 13 points and 5 assists
There was also a red-hot opening for Villeneuve D'Ascq as they jumped out on Casademont Zaragoza to record an 84-68 success. They found their shooting range early and made it rain from outside before their opponents had a chance to get rolling.
Kamiah Smalls was exceptional for the home side, lighting it up with a near triple-double of 21 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds, while Kariata Diaby impressed with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Vega Gigemo posted 18 points in defeat and Zaragoza can at least take some heart that they cut the deficit slightly with a belated late flourish.
One tie looks deliciously balanced with Elitzur Landco Ramla set to take a modest but precious 5-point advantage into the second leg of their tie with Umana Reyer Venezia.
Shakira Austin continues to make all the noise for Ramla and was pivotal to her team's 80-75 home victory, accumulating a spectacular 29 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. The cameo came from Alyssa Baron with 19 points, while her backcourt partner Elina Babkina handed out 14 assists.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray are also looking well set after completed a convincing 86-61 win at Cadi Le Seu on Wednesday night. They were fuelled by a trademark double-double of 15 points and 23 boards from Teaira McCowan, with veteran guard Epiphanny Prince weighing in with 22 points in a sparkling shooting effort.
The Semi-Finals lineup will be finalized next week when the return fixtures take place across Wednesday and Thursday.
FIBA