After a closely contested first quarter against Vladimir Region, Sverdlovsk Region stepped up the pace, took control of the game and turned a tight contest into a convincing 81–57 victory.

Quarter scores: 17–15, 20–12, 20–14, 24–16

The visitors opened the scoring in the first game of the Spartakiad group stage, but it quickly became clear that neither team was going to have it easy. The sides traded baskets and neither could build a significant lead for much of the opening quarter. Sverdlovsk Region held a narrow 17–15 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter followed much the same pattern, with a tight battle, quick transition attacks and the lead changing hands several times. However, late in the half, Dmitrii Donskov’s team increased the intensity and began to pull away. The margin grew to nine points before one of the key moments of the game: Kseniia Levchenko hit a three-pointer to make it a double-digit advantage. For the guard, it was her first game back after a career break, and she made a successful return to action. The teams headed into the locker rooms with Sverdlovsk Region leading 37–27.

After the break, the game took a decisive turn. Sverdlovsk Region seized the initiative, dictated the pace and continued to extend its lead. Levchenko repeatedly found space for shots from long range, while her teammates kept up the pace. By the fourth quarter, the margin had grown beyond 20 points, and the game was effectively decided. The final buzzer confirmed a convincing 81–57 victory as Sverdlovsk Region opened its Spartakiad group-stage campaign with a win. Tomorrow, the team will face Samara Region. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.

Sverdlovsk Region:

Maiga (double-double — 16 points, 10 rebounds), Nizamova (12 points), Ilina (11 points), Tretyakova, Klyundikova, Levchenko (10 points).

Vladimir Region:

Kramar (16 points), Poluyanova (14 points).