MUNICH (Germany) - The Quarter-Finals are about to drop as the last eight remaining clubs prepare to try and take a significant leap closer to the prestigious EuroCup Women silverware.
It's the perfect time to push the refresh button on the Power Rankings, with our expert panel taking into account performances and results so far, as well as the all-important draw and bracket, which have a huge impact on the list.
1. LDLC ASVEL Feminin (+11)
Season record: 8-1 (+1 tie)
It's a huge rise in the rankings and to the number one spot for ASVEL after they demolished a Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring team dripping with star talent. There is a big momentum behind the French club right now in the competition and with just one loss all season, they have every reason to be confident they could win EuroCup Women for a second time. Although this will be a huge test against an offensive powerhouse in Spar Girona.
Teenage sensation Dominique Malonga is racking up the double-doubles and a power at both ends of the floor. Another young gun Juste Jocyte is weighing is making vital scoring contributions, as is Dayshanette Lewis. With the experience of Julie Wojta also to call on, it's looking good. But ASVEL will have to be in top gear to beat Girona.
2. Villeneuve d'Ascq LM (-1)
Season record: 3-1 (1-5 in EuroLeague Women)
Villeneuve lost that first Round of 16 leg by double-digits to Movistar Estudiantes and escaped in a triple-overtime for the ages in the second matchup. That was a game that will never be forgotten by the French fans as their team dodged a bullet, but showed tremendous heart to still advance and set up an exciting clash against Besiktas JK.
Moving on from the departure of revered head coach Rachid Meziane was always going to be tricky, but they have taken a positive step forwards. Much will hinge on the veteran know-how of Shavonte Zellous alongside the stellar talent of rising star Carla Leite bringing the noise in terms of points. Slowing down Besiktas will be tough and there there's a big job to do in the paint for Aminata Gueye against Temi Fagbenle. This tie could go to the wire!
3. BAXI Ferrol (+7)
Season record: 10-1 (including Qualifiers and 1 tie)
The Cinderella team of this season's campaign, it's been a historic and fairytale ride for the Spanish debutantes who have come through the Qualifiers and find themselves dreaming of making the Semi-Finals. After dumping out number one seeds DVTK HUNTHERM, their rise of seven places in the rankings is well deserved.
The fact they have only lost once since stepping into the competition speaks volumes and with Angela Mataix crowned MVP for January, they have a baller in red-hot form. Throw in Gala Mestres who has been one of the best and most consistent EuroCup Women players and they can dream big. Helped by facing a fellow Qualifiers team in BDS Dinamo Sassari who have been on a similarly impressive journey.
4. Sopron Basket (+5)
Season record: 9-1
Sopron are on a roll after a seriously eye-catching Round of 16 show against this season's EuroLeague Women participants and domestic rivals Uni Gyor, who they swept past with surprising ease. This has given them a great shot at making the last four of the tournament and BLMA will be difficult to overcome, but the force is with Sopron.
Much of their success has come down to the strength of Jacinta Monroe who has really took it to opposing teams, while Tijana Krivacevic is finding some form at just the right time too. With Zala Friskovec leading the team in scoring from the wings and Steph Reid pulling the strings alongside her, there's been a lot to love so far.
5. Spar Girona (+1)
Season record: 8-2
In reality, there looks to be very little, if anything between Spar Girona and ASVEL heading into the Quarter-Finals and it would not be a shock if the Spanish club progressed. Especially with the vastly expeirenced Roberto Iniguez on the sideline who is likely to be a difference-maker in a possibly very tight tie.
There's so much scoring power for the playcaller to use, with Klara Lundquist, Borislava Hristova and Chloe Bibby the ones most likely to torch ASVEL with big individual contributions. If they all get rolling, it will mean big trouble for their opponents. One of the keys will be who is able to limit the impact of the towering Dominique Malonga.
6. Besiktas JK (-3)
Season record: 9-1
It was far from plain-sailing for the Turkish club in the Round of 16 when they lost on their homecourt by 10 points, only just scraping through, courtesy of a 12-point road win at UFAB 49. They could have easily been eliminated and that should be a wake-up call - on top of some indifferent results in the Turkish League.
Having said that, last year's Finalists are moving towards another shot at silverware and will fancy their chances of taking down Villeneuve. Holly Winterburn and Dana Evans can produce magic in the guard spots, with Temi Fagbenle, Elif Bayram and Tina Krivacevic a formidable frontline to take the physical battle to their opponents.
7. BLMA (-2)
Season record: 9-1
Of all teams in the Quarter-Finals, BLMA that have flown a little lower under the radar than most. That's espite going into the Round of 16 with a perfect record. But they were stunned by a first-leg loss at German underdogs Keltern and while normal service was resumed in the second matchup, they looked vulnerable for the first time.
Yet they look capable of matching up well with Sopron in another finely balanced tie - on paper at least. Garance Rabot is playing the best basketball of her career, as are Dulcy Fankam and Nell Angloma. With the vast know-how of Romane Bernies also central to their prospects, they can't be ruled out - especially with the second leg at home.
8. BDS Dinamo Sassari (-)
Season record: 8-4 (including Qualifiers)
There's been so much to celebrate for the Italian outfit this season after battling their way through the Qualifiers and all the way to the last eight. They find themselves in last place in the rankings, having lost four games so far, but make no mistake - they are more than capable of beating BAXI Ferrol if they play their best basketball.
They do rely so much on the brilliant Sparkle Taylor and that pressure is still on her to keep pouring in the points, while Shaylee Gonzales and Debora Carangelo have been superb in the backcourt, It's only a light looking frontcourt that looks a worry - especially with Ana-Marija Begic currently injured.
*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