Preview: MBA Looks to Continue Momentum Against Dynamo Kursk in PBL Showdown

KURSK, Russia (Interstat) — A tightly contested series reaches its rubber match Sunday when MBA visits Dynamo Kursk in a Women’s Premier Basketball League clash.

The teams have split the first two games of a rare three-game stretch against each other. Dynamo Kursk (24-5) won at home 72-65 on March 23, but MBA (16-13) answered with a 78-75 home victory on March 26. Sunday’s game at Kursk’s arena will decide the mini-series.

Dynamo Kursk, among the league’s elite, has dominated the overall season series, winning three of the four meetings dating to November 2025. However, MBA’s recent upset proves they can compete with the powerhouse.

The matchup features two of the league’s top performers. For MBA, center Valeria Yakovleva is coming off a strong 13-point, 9-rebound effort in Thursday’s win. She has averaged 12.3 points and 6.7 rebounds over her last three games.

Dynamo Kursk will counter with center Kyara Linskens, who has been formidable in the recent head-to-head games. She posted 24 points and 9 rebounds in the loss and 24 points with 11 rebounds in the victory. Her inside presence will be a primary focus for the MBA defense.

MBA’s win on Thursday snapped a two-game skid and provided a crucial confidence boost. Guard Mariya Krymova (17 points, 7 assists) and forward Ekaterina Koshechkina (16 points, 7 rebounds) were key contributors alongside Yakovleva.

Dynamo Kursk, despite its stellar record, has shown minor vulnerability, dropping two of its last five games, including the loss to MBA and a defeat to league-leading UMMC. They will aim to reassert their home-court dominance, where they are traditionally strong.

Sunday’s result will have significant implications for playoff positioning. A win would solidify Dynamo Kursk’s hold on a top seed, while MBA seeks to climb the standings and prove its recent victory was no fluke.

Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon in Kursk.