ESB Lille Metropole gave their faltering Group A campaign a shot in the arm as they hammered TTT Riga 67-50 to close the gap on the Latvians in the standings.

Geraldine Robert (20 points and nine rebounds) was in fine form for the hosts, who were rarely in danger after building a strong lead early on.
 
Ljubica Drljaca weighed in with 13 points for Lille, who are now on a 2-5 record and clear of bottom-placed Phard Napoli, while Riga are a point ahead on 3-4.

Iciss Tillis, with 19 points and eight rebounds, impressed for them.

A 10-0 run gave Lille a great platform (16-4) midway through the first quarter and they ended it 20-9 up.

The Northerners scored the last seven points of the half to stretch their lead to 37-21 by the interval, but Riga were far from dead.

Finding themselves 42-23 down, the visitors went on a 12-1 run to haul themselves back into the contest and they were just eight points (48-40) in arrears by the start of the final quarter.

Seven straight points at the start of the fourth by Lille put the game to bed, however, with TTT unable to close the gap after that.

Ainars Cukste, coach TTT Riga:
 
"We had a very bad game. Defense and rebounding were the difference between the two teams tonight. Congratulations for Villeneuve d'Ascq."

Abdou N'diaye, coach ESB Lille Metropole:
 
"Our players had a good analysis of the play and played some good defense. The key of the game was to being aggressive and not to allow easy three-pointers by Riga. We won the rebounds and I hope we will not need the goal average."

Luba Drljaca, player ESB Lille Metropole:
 
"It was a great victory, we were more aggressive. It is very good for all the team. Wee are happy of this second victory."

Kathy Wambe, player ESB Lille Metropole:
 
"When we defend we are a great team! It is good for the team and we even have a possibility to qualify for the next round."