Ros Casares Valencia re-strengthened their EuroLeague Women position last night with a convincing 90-57 win over Sporting Athens.

Israel Sanchos’ team appeared on court with a brand-new starting line-up of Elisa Aguilar, Amaya Valdemoro, Chamique Holdsclaw, Suzy Batkovic and Sonja Kireta.

The game started with both sides trading baskets, but thanks to their quality of middle-distance shooting, the home side were able to take the lead.

In fact, Vasileiou was the only problem for Valencia whenever she found a spot behind the three-point line as the Spaniards put big pressure on Adams, keeping her away from the hoop and from picking up rebounds.

This control of the boards allowed Valencia to build up a 10-point margin. By the end of the first period the home side held a comfortable 29-14 lead.

Kalentzou led the Hellenic attack at the beginning of the second quarter, but their new offensive force was staved off by Page, Sánchez and Zimerle as each entered the game. At this point too, Holdsclaw turned on her game pouring in points (she finished with over 20 for the first time) and dishing assists. Her effort, together with a rejuvenated Valdemoro and motived Rosi Sánchez, allowed the locals to pull away for an impressive 51-21 lead at half-time.

After the break, Kalentzou and Vasileiou continued to be the only offensive options for the Greeks (they were the only Athens players to score in the first half), whereas Adams had a terrible night, shooting 0-8.

From Valencia, Sonja Kireta was excellent along with an unstoppable Chamique Holdsclaw. Valdemoro, Sánchez and Aguilar were able to take a break in the final period as the 30-point buffer permitted Sanchis to run the bench and even allow youngster Veronica Aparisi her first EuroLeague minutes.