The Canberra TransACT Capitals tonight were handed their first defeat at the FIBA World Cup for Women in Samara, Russia.
US Valenciennes Olympic defeated Canberra 89-68.

The TransACT Capitals got off to a good start with a 23-22 lead at the first quarter break. At half time the French champions had built a 6 point lead with the score at 40 -34. Canberra closed the gap to 4 going into the last quarter behind 60 - 56, but it was the last quarter that saw the reigning 'Price Attack' WNBL champions come undone. US Valenciennes Olympic outscored Canberra 29-12 in the last term.

US Valenciennes Olympic out-rebounded the TransACT Capitals 39-24 and did a fantastic job of keeping Lauren Jackson to only 6 rebounds for the entire game. The French champions also pulled in an amazing 21 offensive rebounds.

It was the big guns for US Valenciennes Olympic that did all the damage. WNBA star and Belgium national Ann Wauters scored 26 points. Charlotte Sting forward Allison Feaster had 16 points whilst French national team star Audrey Sauret dished out 8 assists.

For the TransACT Capitals Lauren Jackson had 24 points. Jo Hill's experience showed as she scored 14 points, with Kristen Veal chipping in for 9 points. No coincidence that Jackson, Hill & Veal are the most experienced internationally! On a bright note, the TransACT Capitals were able to keep fellow Australian Suzy Batkovic to only 3 points.

Tomorrow Canberra back up against Russian home team Volgaburmash SGAU Samara at midnight AEST before enjoying a day off on Friday ahead of the playoffs.