The Foxes snatched victory from Nadezhda Orenburg and once again lifted the trophy. The evening’s headliners were the pop group Otpetye Moshenniki, while Jovana Nogic was named the game’s MVP.

Quarter scores: 21–15, 20–19, 17–22, 25–25

From the very first minutes, the game in Yekaterinburg was intense. The visitors opened the scoring, but Alex Bentley immediately responded with a three-pointer. Afanasenko put Orenburg ahead, however Dmitrii Donskov’s squad quickly regained control of the game. A precise three-pointer from Karina Nizamova two minutes before the buzzer gave the home team a 21–15 lead, and the Foxes finished the opening quarter in fighting spirit.

In the second quarter, the Yekaterinburg team increased their speed and intensity. Just a minute into the period, their advantage grew to 11 points, breaking into double digits and it seemed Nadezhda would have to chase the game. However, Evgeni Ivanov’s players refused to give up — a series of accurate attacks reduced the gap to seven points. The teams went into halftime with the reigning champions leading 41–34, but the tension in the arena continued to grow.

After the break, the Orenburg team staged a comeback. They went on a run and quickly leveled the score, silencing the crowd. But the Foxes answered back: two long-range shots from Tretyakova and a fast-break finish restored a 7-point lead for the hosts. Shilova added another three-pointer, yet Nadezhda kept fighting – by the end of the quarter, the gap had narrowed to just 58–56. The final stretch would decide the winner.    

The closing period turned into a thriller. The teams traded baskets, Nogic gave the Foxes three points, but Beverly responded in kind and even put Orenburg ahead. Tretyakova instantly restored UMMC’s lead, and with 40 seconds left, Nizamova hit a crucial three-pointer, making it a 7-point game. It seemed all was decided, but Beverly reminded everyone of her presence once more – five consecutive points brought back the tension. Yet the experience and composure of the reigning champions prevailed – 83–81, and UMMC win the Russian Super Cup for the fifth time!

UMMC: Nogic (16 points, 3 rebounds), Tretyakova (15 points, 4 assists), Nizamova and Walker (12 points, 2 rebounds each).

Nadezhda: Beverly (23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists), Zotkina (10 points, 5 rebounds), Badina (10 points, 3 rebounds).

The Foxes will play their next game on the road in Syktyvkar as part of the Fonbet Premier League. On November 2 at 18:30 (MSK), UMMC will face NIKA-Luzales.