ISTANBUL (Turkey) - Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring and LDLC ASVEL Feminin will take contrasting leads into the second legs of their Semi-Final encounters.

The Turkish side will be confident of completing the mission when they head to Venice next week for the return game with a 25-point advantage, although will be wary of Reyer and their tendency to come back from very difficult situations this season.

They will play the second leg of the Semi-Finals on Thursday, March 23 - as will other title chasers Villeneuve d'Ascq LM and LDLC ASVEL Feminin, with the latter having won by four on Wednesday.

Galatasaray find a higher gear

Galatasaray are eying up another EuroCup Women Final after doing the business against Umana Reyer Venezia with a spectacular 74-49 Semi-Final first leg success.

It was a superb 21-5 run from Galatasaray either side of the third and fourth quarter break that proved the difference-maker in their clash with Reyer.

The triumph was founded around their opponents inability to respond to some nice teamwork as multiple players came up big, with the game having previously been defensively dominated in a 24-25 first-half. Galatasaray then jumped all over their rivals by keeping their foot on the gas during the last quarter to extend their advantage.

Epiphanny Prince made some big shots to help add fuel to that momentum, but as usual it was Teaira McCowan who came up with her customary MVP display. The center stepped off court having posted a brilliant 21 points and 16 rebounds.

ASVEL edge thrilling first leg encounter

ASVEL recorded an 84-80 victory over Villeneuve in a roller-coaster all French matchup in Wednesday's first leg encounter.

It was always going to be an intriguing contest between these domestic rivals and ASVEL continued their winning streak this season against their opponents as they won their fourth game in a row in all competitions.

It was certainly a highly entertaining contest that provided full entertainment for the noisy home crowd and those watching online. ASVEL made the early running, but Villeneuve impressed in the second quarter to move ahead at the interval.

Little changed until crunch time when at 77-77, the hosts threatened to snap the tie open by scoring seven points without reply. However, Kennedy Burke made a huge three for Villeneuve to calm their nerves and put a different reflection on the final outcome.

Burke finished with a game-hight 28 points, while fellow guard Kamiah Smalls was sensational for the visitors with 21 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Gabby Williams was the pick for the winning team as she returned 19 points and 17 points.

FIBA