USK Prague went into the new season full of ambition and wanting to make an impact on Europe but they fell at the first hurdle on Wednesday at Union Hainaut Basket in France.

Fabrice Courcier's team dominated the glass and overcame 20 turnovers to post a 78-62 win over the Czech outfit.

Chioma Nnamaka, the team's 23-year-old shooting guard from Sweden, led a balanced French attack with 12 points while Prague got 16 from Sonja Kireta and 15 from Evani Maltsi - two of the club's big close-season signings.

Another, former  USA international Swin Cash, was one of seven from the floor and finished with two points and four rebounds in 13 minutes.

The home side closed the first quarter with a 6-0 spurt to on top 26-13 and just over four minutes into the second frame they had extended their advantage to 40-17.

Prague managed to reduce the deficit to 15, but ended up going to the changing rooms at half-time trailing by 19 after France international Sabrina Reghaissia buried a three-ball for Union Hainaut.

They stayed in command the rest of the way.

The French team out-rebounded Prague 42-31.

The visitors endured an almighty struggle shooting the ball, making just 17 of 48 (35.4%) inside the arc.