In Game 2 of the semifinal series of the Fonbet Russian Championship – Premier League, the reigning champions once again confirmed their status as favorites. Yekaterinburg dominated Nadezhda Orenburg 85–62, taking a 2–0 lead in the best-of-five series as it heads to Orenburg.

Quarter scores: 20–20, 26–16, 16–9, 23–17

From the opening tip, it was clear the game would be competitive. The home team opened the scoring, but the guests answered immediately from beyond the arc — Nadezhda wasn’t about to give up without a fight and stepped up the pressure. Shilova quickly restored the balance with a three-pointer, and the first quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Both teams traded baskets, worked aggressively in the paint, and contested every rebound. With a long-range shot in the final minute, Beverly capped the quarter, tying the score at 20–20.  

In the second quarter, Dmitrii Donskov’s squad gradually began to seize the initiative. The first several minutes saw a tight, point-for-point battle, but the Foxes ramped up their perimeter aggression. Nogic drained a precise three-pointer, and then Alex Bentley took over — her deep shot proved decisive. The lead reached 9 for the first time, and the home team’s defense became a true wall. By halftime, the scoreboard read 46–36 — a double-digit advantage for the defending champions.

The third quarter was a real test for both teams. The opening minutes were a grind, with points hard to come by. Even in this tough, physical stretch, Yekaterinburg looked more confident: Nizamova knocked down a crucial three, and Bentley punished the visitors again from deep. Orenburg managed only 9 points in the quarter — far too few for a comeback at this level. Heading into the final period, the tally stood at 62–45, and the suspense began to fade.

Yekaterinburg asserted full control in the fourth quarter. A short rotation for Evgeny Ivanov’s squad, compounded by Zotkina’s absence, took its toll — Nadezhda no longer had the energy to mount a comeback. The Foxes moved the ball smartly, executed their attacks with precision, and didn’t allow their opponents to cut the deficit. The final score, 85–62, was yet another testament to Yekaterinburg’s dominance. The series now moves to Orenburg, where on April 9 the visitors will try to keep their semifinal hopes alive, but Dmitrii Donskov’s team currently looks flawless.

UMMC: Klyundikova (16 points + 9 rebounds), Bentley (15), Kosu (13 points + 5 rebounds), Nogic (11).

Nadezhda: Beverly (16 points + 6 rebounds), Komarova A. (11 points + 4 rebounds).