CSKA Volgaburmash avenged their narrow defeat to Bourges Basket earlier in the campaign and clinched first place in Group B with a convincing EuroLeague Women triumph over the French giants on Wednesday.

Igor Grudin's team stamped their authority on proceedings late in the first quarter and cruised to a 74-54 win.

		Maria Stepanova had a game-high 15 rebounds.

As they only lost 63-61 at Bourges, their superior points in the head-to head meetings have lifted the Russians into first place with both sides having claimed eight wins from 10 games.

"I’m pleased with the game result," said Grudin.

"As a result we got the first place in the group and second in the top 16 overall."

Vicky Hall's jump shot had given Bourges an 8-7 advantage with 5:15 still to play in the opening period but that was the last time they were in front.

Ann Wauters' jumper with 2:38 to go in the quarter sparked a 9-0 run that spanned two minutes and had the hosts in a strong position at 22-12.

A 10-0 surge that began midway through the second quarter left them in command.

Demya Walker, Ilona Korstin, Wauters and Edwige Lawson all got in on the scoring act which spanned 2:51 and left the hosts with a 37-18 stranglehold on the contest.

Bourges have been one of the top sides in Europe this season and they launched a fightback with a balanced scoring attack that saw them close to 44-38 with 5:04 to go in the third quarter.

Olga Arteshina stopped the bleeding for CSKA with a jump shot, Lawson followed with a three-ball and jumper and the Samara team went on to reel off 18 consecutive points for an unassailable 62-38 lead with 6:03 to play.

"There was an unpleasant moment in the third quarter when we let our opponents come very close to us," Grudin said.

"But Bourges felt what a long flight is like and how much effort it takes."

Wauters finished the game with 15 points, Arteshina 14 and Walker 12 for CSKA. Lawson scored 10 and both Maria Stepanova and Korstin chipped in eight points apiece.

Florence Lepron and Céline Dumerc each had 10 points for Bourges.