UMMC tipped off the Fonbet Premier League Playoffs with a statement win, defeating Enisey 74–52 in Game 1 of the quarterfinal series. The hosts controlled the game from the start, confirming their status as favorites.

Quarter scores: 26–13, 15–15, 19–12, 14–12.

The Foxes set the tone early, showing why they’ve been so dominant this season. Alex Bentley opened the scoring from beyond the arc, while Klyundikova was effective in the paint, establishing position and securing rebounds. A late-quarter three from Nizamova extended the lead to 26–13. Dmitrii Donskov’s team pushed the pace, building a double-digit advantage.

In the second quarter, the white-and-blues tried to stay in the game, but the best Enisey could manage was to keep the period even at 15–15. Bentley continued to rain threes, while Kolotovkina was basically the only consistent outside threat on the visitors’ side. UMMC’s defense stayed tight, clogging the paint and denying easy baskets. By halftime, the 41–28 score made it clear the hosts were firmly in control.

The key moment of the game came at the start of the third quarter. The Ekaterinburg team went on a 9–0 run, with Klyundikova scoring seven of those points and finishing the game with a double-double (16 points and 10 rebounds). A timeout from Alexey Chirkov briefly sparked the Krasnoyarsk squad, who managed a few fast-break points to cut the deficit, but by then UMMC had already stretched the margin to over 20. With the score at 60–40 heading into the final quarter, any remaining suspense had all but disappeared.

The final quarter was more contested and slower-paced (14–12), but the Foxes were already playing with the lead, taking no unnecessary risks. UMMC calmly controlled the tempo, never allowing Enisey to get within striking distance. The final score of 74–52 was a fitting result for a game in which the reigning champions clearly showed their class. The series now shifts to Krasnoyarsk for Game 2 on March 25, where Dmitrii Donskov’s team will have the chance to close out the matchup with ease — aiming for two wins to advance to the semifinals.

UMMC: Klyundikova (16 points, 10 rebounds), Walker (10 points, 6 rebounds)

Enisey: Sharova (11 points, 2 rebounds), Egorova (10 points)