Spartak Moscow took a significant step to advancing to the EuroCup Women finals by defeating Halcon Avenida 71-55 in game one of their best-of-two semi-finals series behind the play of American star Lisa Leslie.

Pays D'Aix also posted a convincing victory in the other semi-finals match-up by defeating Coconuda 79-65.

Leslie led Spartak by posting a team-high 20 points and 11 rebounds to go along with three blocks and three steals.

Leslie, who signed with Spartak in the beginning of January, registered her fourth consecutive double-double.

Spartak took control of the game by outscoring Halcon Avenida 23-8 in the third quarter.

Emmeline Ndongue posted a double-double in Pays D'Aix's win with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Catherine Joens added a season-high 19 points for the victors. The American shot eight of 13 from the field, including three of six from three-point range.

The teams in the EuroCup Women semi-finals that have won the combined score from the two games will advance to the finals.

The second game of the EuroCup Women semi-finals is on Thursday, 2 March.