USVO Valenciennes' chances of reaching the eighth-final play-offs were given a boost on Wednesday as they recorded a superb home victory over Gambrinus Brno.

		Emilie Gomis (US Valenciennes Olympic)

The visitors would have been hoping for a win to raise the spirits of their coach Jan Bobrovsky, who did not travel to France because of his heart problem.

But they came up against a USVO team fighting for their lives in EuroLeague Women Group C.

Sandrine Gruda was the star of the show for the hosts, the center scoring 20 points and grabbing three rebounds.

Fellow center Slobodanka Tuvic (10 points and 14 rebounds) also impressed as the French team pulled clear in the fourth quarter.

They started the final 10 minutes just four points ahead (53-49) but with 6:25 left, they had a nine-point cushion and Gambrinus were out of contention.

The result means USVO now have a 2-7 record, one win more than bottom-of-the-table Lotos Gydnia, who play their ninth game of qualifying on Thursday.

American guard Deanna Nolan was Gambrinus' top scorer with 13 points and they now have a 5-4 record.