UMMC have won the Russian Championship for the fourth consecutive time — and for the 19th time in club history. However, unlike in recent years, this title did not come easily. Their opponents, Dynamo Kursk, put up a real fight and came close to forcing a decisive fifth game in the playoff finals.

The first two games of the 2025/26 finals series between UMMC and Dynamo — two powerhouses of Russian women’s basketball — gave little reason to doubt the superiority of the team from the Urals. Coached by Dmitrii Donskov, UMMC took both home games (78–58 and 69–60), and it seemed that securing the third win in a best-of-five series would be a mere formality, as has been the case in previous seasons. But…

This year in Kursk, the familiar script did not repeat itself. The home team rose to the occasion and challenged the reigning champions. In Game 3, Dynamo players, led by Russia national team head coach Alexander Kovalev, proved that in sport there are no invincible teams. From the opening minutes, the hosts took control of the game and, despite the strength and determination of UMMC’s star leaders, held firm down the stretch. Final score: 83–78.

The suspense in the finals — something that, until recently, many experts had spoken about with skepticism — didn’t just return; it flared up with renewed intensity. As it turned out, Dynamo have truly built a strong, competitive team this season. One that combines high-level foreign players — such as Belgium national team center and European champion Kyara Linskens — with solid Russian talents. Daria Repnikova and Olga Frolkina, for instance, each scored 20 points in Game 3. As a result, ahead of the next, “unplanned” game in Kursk, no one was willing to risk their reputation or their money by confidently claiming that the series would not return to Yekaterinburg for a decisive Game 5.

And that scenario came very close to becoming reality. Game 4 kept a packed crowd on the edge of their seats until the final seconds. Dynamo fought relentlessly, clinging to their chances, never allowing their opponents to pull away and at times even taking the lead. UMMC, in turn, were clearly fired up by the challenge. The players from Yekaterinburg had no intention of returning home without the championship trophy and gold medals.

Everything was decided in the closing moments. That was where UMMC’s superior talent and depth ultimately made the difference. At the most crucial stage, however, it was 21-year-old Anastasia Kosu who stepped up for the Yekaterinburg team — born in Kursk and developed in the local basketball system. Kosu posted 16 points and 8 rebounds in just 20 minutes on the court, and her contribution proved decisive. The team’s established leaders also made their impact — Maria Klyundikova (maiden name - Vadeeva), Alexandria Bentley, Jovana Nogic, Megan Walker, Zhosselina Maiga, and Karina Nizamova. That is what defines a true powerhouse: the ability to respond to setbacks and show championship character when it matters most. A hard-fought 84–81 victory sealed the deal for UMMC. Perhaps that is why the emotions after the final buzzer — among players, coaching staff, management, and fans alike — were so intense and unrestrained. A fourth consecutive title, and the 19th in club history, is secured — and one of the most hard-earned of them all.

“We did a great job and gave everything we had,” said the happy star of the decisive game, Anastasia Kosu, who was also named Playoff MVP. “Kursk managed to put up a real fight. The suspense lasted until the very last seconds — the intensity was incredible! I won’t hide it, I’m overwhelmed with emotions. This victory and the MVP award — my first individual award in the Russian Championship — mean a lot to me. I want to thank everyone involved: my team, the fans, the coaches, and the club management. What did I feel playing in my hometown? Even though I now play for UMMC and this is my club, I have to admit that in this fantastic atmosphere today I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was still playing at home, in my own arena.”

Source: MK-Sport