Milton, Ros Casares Mash USVO

Ros Casares Valencia have one of the best teams in Europe and they proved it in their first EuroLeague Women game on Thursday by steamrolling US Valenciennes - a team that reached last year's Final Four.

DeLisha Milton poured in 25 points to lead a balanced attack as the Spanish giants rolled to an 81-58 triumph.

The hosts ended the first quarter leading 14-12 but then stamped their authority on proceedings.

A Milton jump shot, followed by a three-pointer from Allison Feaster Strong sparked a 9-0 run to give Ros Casares a 23-12 lead and USVO never recovered.

An Erika three-point play gave Ros Casares a 41-32 lead at the interval and they pressed home their advantage in the third quarter en route to a convincing triumph.

The question for the Spanish giants, who struggled last season following the departure of talisman Amaya Valdemoro to CSKA Volgaburmash, is not "Who do they have?"

"Who do they not have?" is more appropriate.

Milton, a USA national team veteran, helped Gambrinus Sika Brno capture last season's title and now Ros Casares are hoping she'll help their club do the same.

In addition to her scoring, she also waged war on the boards and finished with 16 rebounds.

Brazil national team center Erika had 15 points while Elena Tornikidou finished with 15 along with five rebounds.

Then there is veteran French forward Feaster Strong, a player who played for USVO in 2003-04, and 2004-05.

When one considers others like 2.13m center Margo Dydek, and Spanish internationals Laia Palau and Elisa Aguilar play for Ros Casares, this team looks positively Jordan-esque.

Perhaps that's one reason why 'His Airness' recently met some of the players while touring Europe and had his photograph taken with them.

Maybe he just likes the look of Ros Casares.