Lauren Jackson poured in 33 points and Diana Taurasi added 21 as defending champions Spartak Moscow Region finally overcame Gambrinus Brno in the Czech Republic on Wednesday, 85-77.

Natalia Hejkova's team, beaten by CSKA Moscow at the weekend in the Russian Superleague, bounced back to grab sole possession of first place in Group C with eight victories and just one defeat.

Gambrinus, swept by Spartak this season, dropped to 7-2.

Spartak trailed 72-68 with 7:20 remaining and looked to be in trouble, but they kept their cool and a three-pointer by Sue Bird sparked a 10-0 run that put them in control for good.

Gambrinus had led by as many as eight points in the first half but weren't able to press home the advantage.

Tamika Whitmore, who helped lead Spartak to the EuroLeague Women title last season, and Slovakian international Zuzana Zirkova each had 15 points in defeat.

Gambrinus were just six of 26 from three-point range, compared to a far more impressive 10 of 22 for Spartak. Bird, who had 13 points, was four of six from behind the arc while Jackson made three of six.

Jan Bobrovsky, Brno Coach:

"I am disapointed with our performance in the second period. We couldn't find the way against a very good zone defense of Spartak Moscow. Our best scorers failed in the end of the game. They passed the ball as the hot potato. I know the quality of Spartak Moscow, but from my view is only one player on the world Lauren Jackson. She decided about the result."

Natalija Hejkova, Spartak Moscow Coach:

"It was very hard game and very good basketball. We played very well in zone defense. I am very satisfied that in second period Brno shot only 27 percent."