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UMMC players eyeing gold after clinching two wins against Nika-Luzales
The "Foxes" continued their journey in the final series of the Fonbet Russian Premier League Championship. On the court of DIVS Arena, under the guidance of Dmitrii Donskov, the Yekaterinburg team once again faced off against their opponents from Syktyvkar, Nika-Luzales. The game was tense, with the winner being determined in the final minute.
UMMC (Yekaterinburg) - Nika-Luzales (Syktyvkar) 65:63
Quarters' results: 18:14, 16:22, 17:12, 14:15
From the first seconds, it was clear that the battle would be tough. Nika opened the scoring, while the hosts needed more time to get into the rhythm. However, just a minute later, the score was leveled, and two accurate mid-range shots from Tina Krajisnik propelled her team forward. The first ten-minute period ended with a score of 18:14 in favor of UMMC.
There was no turning point in the second quarter. At the start, the guests got closer within a single accurate shot, but Kseniia Levchenko didn't let tie the score by responding with two successful mid-range shots. The visiting team then pushed harder and took the lead. Sparkle Taylor countered with 6 points in two minutes of playing time. The teams entered the halftime break with Nika-Luzales holding a minimal advantage; the score was 34:36.
At the start of the third quarter, Kseniia Levchenko erased the minimal deficit with an accurate three-pointer. Victoria Macaulay and Sparkle Taylor successfully finished their attacks. The whole quarter was closely contested, but it ended with the Yekaterinburg team being ahead.
The final ten-minute period began with a score of 51:48. The "Foxes" tried to maintain their lead for 9 minutes. Sparkle Taylor, Maryia Papova and Alex Bentley made shots from behind the arc. Tina Krajisnik and Victoria Macaulay were effective under the basket. In the final seconds, tension mounted as the score difference narrowed to just 1 point. However, a free throw from Alex Bentley settled the question of the winner once and for all - UMMC players secured the victory with a score of 65:63.
In the squad of UMMC, Victoria Macaulay became the top-scorer with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Kseniia Levchenko and Sparkle Taylor each had 11 points. Tina Krajisnik added 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
In the squad of Nika-Luzales, Eva Lisec became the scoring leader who logged a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Raisa Musina also reached a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Veronika Pavliuchenko accumulated 13 points and 4 rebounds.
The next game of the final series against Nika-Luzales will take place in Syktyvkar on April 29 (Mon). The broadcast starts at 4:30 p.m. (Yekaterinburg time).