Preview: Samara Visits Neftyanik in Russian Women’s Basketball

OMSK, Russia (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum will meet Saturday when Samara visits Neftyanik in a Russian women’s professional basketball league matchup.

The game, scheduled for Jan. 24, 2026, in Omsk, features clubs with nearly identical struggling records. Samara arrives with a 4-15 mark across all competitions, while Neftyanik sits just below at 3-15.

Samara enters with a rare boost of confidence after a 79-64 victory over Ivanovo on Tuesday. Forward Julia Poluyanova led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds, continuing her strong recent form. Over her last four games, Poluyanova has averaged 14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, providing consistent production for her squad.

Neftyanik, however, is looking to rebound from a 89-77 road loss to Dynamo Moscow on Tuesday, despite a standout performance from guard Elena Mukhina. Mukhina erupted for 22 points, four rebounds and four assists in that contest, showcasing her scoring potential. Her production has been volatile, though, following a two-point outing in a loss to Nadezhda on Jan. 15.

The season’s only prior meeting between these teams offers a blueprint for Neftyanik. On Nov. 22, 2025, Neftyanik secured a 59-53 road win in Samara. Replicating that defensive effort at home will be key for a team that has allowed an average of 71.2 points in its losses this season.

For Samara, breaking a pattern of offensive struggles is paramount. Outside of their two recent wins, they have been held under 65 points in eight of their last ten defeats. Support for Poluyanova will need to come from players like Olga Novikova, who posted 12 points and eight rebounds in the win over Ivanovo.

The matchup represents a critical opportunity for both sides to escape the lower tier of the standings. Neftyanik will rely on Mukhina’s dynamic playmaking, while Samara hopes Poluyanova’s steady presence can guide them to a rare winning streak and a season-series split.