UMMC Ekaterinburg held off a spirited late charge from hosts US Valenciennes Olympique to prevail 68-67 in a pulsating EuroLeague Women Group C encounter.

Kristi Harrower's three-pointer on the buzzer for Valenciennes did not leave them enough time to pull the game around.

They will rue the profligacy of Soeli Garvao Zakrzeski in the final minute when they let victory slip from their grasp.

With just 47 seconds remaining, the game had been tied at 64-64 as the French side came back into the match with Garvao Zakrzeski and Emmanuelle Hermouet tying the scores with consecutive three-pointers after the visitors had led 64-58.

However, the Russians did not panic and Suzy Batkovic scored with a lay-up with 29 seconds remaining to retake the lead.

Garvao Zakrzeski missed an attempted three-pointer as the clock ticked down and the nightmare continued for her as she then missed all three free throws after a personal foul by Batkovic.

Her generosity from the charity stripe was punished as Cheryl Ford converted one of her two free throw attempts with 12 seconds remaining.

There was still time for Lindsay Whalen to convert one of two to take the score to 68-64 and it proved crucial as it ensured Harrower's late effort was in vain.

Batkovic's brilliance - she poured in 32 points and hauled down seven boards - was instrumental in her side's win.

Whalen managed 12 and six boards while for Valenciennes Sandrine Gruda impressed with 19 points and six rebounds. Harrower managed 11 and seven.