BC Nizhny Novgorod narrowly defeated MBA Moscow 79-74 in a defensive VTB United League battle on January 31, 2026. In a low-scoring affair defined by physical play, Nizhny Novgorod made the crucial plays down the stretch to secure a five-point home win. Neither team could find an offensive rhythm, but Nizhny Novgorod managed a key run in the fourth quarter to turn a narrow deficit into a lead they would not relinquish. The victory was vital for Nizhny Novgorod's mid-season standing, showcasing their ability to grind out results in close games against direct rivals in the league table.