Artego Bydgoszcz leap towards next phase and hopes of holders are in the balance

MUNICH (EuroCup Women) -  It was an eventful night of first-leg action in the Round of 16 as Artego Bydgoszcz made a statement and reigning champions Galatasaray didn't make home advantage pay.

Artego Bydgoszcz gave themselves a great chance of progressing to the Round of 8 with a crushing 77-60 victory against KSC Szekszard. It was veteran playmaker Julie McBride who stole the show with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Galatasaray are in a precarious position as they completed victory at home to DVTK but will only take a one-point lead to Hungary next week after edging their rivals 77-76. 

It was a last-gasp basket that sealed the deal for the hosts, with Farhiya Abdi, Monika Grigalauskyte, Isil Alben and Serife Onar all scoring 13 points. Meanwhile recent signing Aija Putnina netted 20 points for the visitors, with  frontcourt partner Chanel Mokango adding 21 and guard Shatori Kimbrough Walker dropping 19 points. 

Also in Istanbul, a combined 41 points from Astou Ndour and Alina Iagupova carried Cukurova Basketbol  to a handy 73-65 success against Besiktas.

Finally, Lyon ASVEL Feminin are breathing a sigh of relief after they dug themselves out of a major hole at home to Gorzow.

They were down by double digits, but launched a last-quarter rescue mission as they poured in 30 points to take a 90-82 victory.  Michelle Plouffe was sensational with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, while Clarissa Dos Santos weighed in with 16 points and 13 boards.

FIBA