FIBA World Cup for Women Champions Samara continue to struggle in the EuroLeague Women this season, losing tonight away to Gambrinus Brno and dropping to a 1-3 record in the competition.

The Russians had trouble against Brno with their teamwork and although they took an early 6-point lead, it was more as a result of individual play.

Brno steadily worked their way back into the game, tightening up on the defensive end and gradually cutting the lead. By the 7^th minute they had taken the lead and they went on to build a 5-point advantage of their own, 18:13.

Brno were now in total control and they continued to stretch their advantage. However, they began to relax a little and some sloppy play and bad shooting saw Samara trim the lead to just 1 point at halftime.

The 3^rd quarter proved to be crucial and thanks to Czech center Jana Vesela, it went in Brno’s favour.

After a fine European Championship, in which she was a key player in Czech Republic’s silver medal campaign, Vesela has struggled so far in the EuroLeague, averaging just 4 ppg.

She snapped her run of bad form last night, scoring 11 3^rd quarter points, allowing Brno to re-establish control and a lead which reached 24 points.

Vesela finished with a total of 17 points on 8/9 shooting. Rankica Sarenac added 15 for Brno.

Kamila Vodickova, a former Brno standout who is now with Samara, attributed the loss to "our frequent turnovers". The Russian team finished with 25.

Ilona Korstine was the only Samara player to reach double figures with 12 points.