US Valenciennes stayed within striking distance for a half but were then blown away by undefeated Ros Casares on Tuesday on the opening night of the EuroLeague Women eighth finals.

The Spanish side led 40-30 early in the second half and then put the defensive clamps on their opponents from France and pulled away for a decisive 70-44 win.

Russia international Elena Baranova had a game-high 12 rebounds and came up with three steals to go with her 10 points for Ros, who won all 10 of their games in Group D.

Delisha Milton-Jones led Ros with 12 points while Evani Maltsi also scored 10.

With the Ros defense picking up its intensity, Laia Palau and Milton-Jones each had four points in an 8-0 run to open up a 48-30 lead at the start of the third quarter.

Former champions USVO never recovered.

Elena Tornikidou had six points as Ros claimed an early 15-6 advantage, but USVO clawed their way back and cut the deficit to 21-17 on a jumper by Réka Cserny, who would end up leading all scorers with 13.

Baranova replied with a three-pointer, though, extending the lead back to 24-17 and Ros were never under threat again.