FIBA World Cup champions Samara suffered their second consecutive EuroLeague Women victory this season, away to Spanish side Ros Casares Valencia.

Both teams shot the ball poorly from the field (Valencia 32% and Samara 35%), but Valencia found the spurt they needed in the 3rd quarter to build a lead which they were able to hold on to.

Samara started the game as the stronger team and it was only 3 consecutive 3-pointers from Spanish star forward Amaya Valdemoro which saw the 1st quarter end 15-17 in the Russians' favour.

201 cm Russian center Maria Stepanova established herself inside and Samara built a 9-point lead, while Valencia struggled to score (2 points in the opening 5 minutes of the second quarter).

The key point of the game was Stepanova picking up her 4th foul. Samara's offense suddenly became disjointed and Valenica stepped up their defense. The Spanish team finished the 3rd quarter up 3-points and they increased the lead going into the 4th.

A 3-pointer from Valdemoro saw the lead go up to 9-points and Valencia were able to hold on for victory.

Valdemoro struggled from the inside shooting just 2/10. She still found a way to help her team though as she shot 4/7 3-pointers and finished with 20 points, while also adding 12 rebounds, 8 steals and 5 assists.

US guard Marie Ferdinand had 16 points and 6 rebounds for Samara.