In their second group-stage game at the Spartakiad, the home team edged Samara Region, 70–67. The visitors stayed within striking distance for nearly the entire game, with the outcome decided only in the closing minutes.

Maria Klyundikova set the tone early, scoring all of Sverdlovsk Region’s points during the opening four minutes and carrying the offense. Samara Region, though, never allowed their opponents to pull away. The game was played at a high pace, with Dmitry Pivtsaykin’s team holding a narrow 16–14 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the momentum gradually shifted toward Sverdlovsk Region. Samara Region, meanwhile, began to rush their possessions and picked up fouls. The home team took a 39–33 lead into halftime. The game followed a similar pattern after the break: neither team could build a significant cushion, and Sverdlovsk Region held a 57–49 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

All the drama was saved for the final 10 minutes. Just three minutes into the fourth quarter, Samara Region cut the deficit to one, and the game turned into a back-and-forth battle. With 1:30 left on the clock, the visitors even went ahead by one, but Sverdlovsk Region came up with the key possessions when it mattered most. In a tense finish, the home team held on to secure the 70–67 victory. Tomorrow, the hosts will face Moscow Region. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.

Sverdlovsk Region:

Klyundikova (28 points, 13 rebounds), Maiga (17 points, 8 rebounds).

Samara Region:

Godyaeva (17 points), Mikhailova (12 points), Shcherbakova (11 points, 9 rebounds).