Klyundikova’s double-double helps the Foxes defeat Sparta & K and strengthen their position in the FONBET Russian Premier League.

Quarter scores: 25–17, 12–19, 13–8, 16–9

From the opening minutes at the UMMC Arena, it was clear the reigning champions wouldn’t have an easy night. Alex Bentley set the tone early — two back-to-back three-pointers ignited the stands, but the visitors from Vidnoje were not going to give up. The teams traded baskets until midway through the quarter, when Tretyakova hit from beyond the arc and Klyundikova scored twice inside, giving the home team a 25–17 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Sparta & K showed their character and managed to take the lead in that stretch. Polina Selezeneva drained three long-range shots, with Sirazutdinova adding another from deep. UMMC responded with baskets from Papova and Klyundikova, but by halftime, the Foxes’ advantage had narrowed to just one point — 37–36. The visitors had found their rhythm, and the game’s intrigue only deepened heading into the second half.

After the break, Dmitrii Donskov’s squad regrouped and once again took the initiative. The third quarter proved to be the most intense and low-scoring period of the game, with both teams’ defenses operating nearly flawlessly. The Vidnoje team tried to turn the tide with long-range shots, but the hosts calmly answered with precise attacks from mid- and close-range. Heading into the final ten minutes, UMMC led 50–44, and the Foxes had no intention of relinquishing control.

In the closing quarter, the reigning champions sealed the victory. Olairi Kosu dominated under the basket, leaving the opponents no chance for rebounds, while Nogic extended the lead with a three-pointer. The final buzzer confirmed a well-deserved home win — 66–53.

UMMC: Kosu – 13 points, 9 rebounds; Klyundikova – double-double – 10 points, 11 rebounds.

Sparta & K: Lyulina – 14 points, 6 rebounds; Selezeneva – 14 points, 1 rebound; Sirazutdinova – 12 points, 6 rebounds.

Maria Klyundikova, UMMC forward:

“Sparta played excellent defense and read our offense very well. But I think experience still made the difference. This game will be a big lesson for us — we’ll analyze our mistakes, work on them, and come back stronger.”

The Foxes’ next game will take place on Wednesday, October 29, as part of the Russian Super Cup. At the UMMC Arena, they will face Nadezhda Orenburg. The event’s headliner will be Otpetye Moshenniki (a popular Russian pop group). Tip-off is at 19:00.