By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Finland doesn’t only have a bright future in the face of Lauri Markkanen but a bonafide promising and ambitious present as well. With the Chicago Bulls big guy once again leading the charge, the “Susijengi” beat a self-destructive Poland 90 – 87 following 50 intense minutes in Helsinki.
The Star: Lauri Markkanen was absolutely brilliant with 27 points (9/20 field goals) and 9 rebounds plus clutch baskets in the final moments of regular time and the first extra period that prevented his team’s defeat.
He wasn’t alone though since Petteri Koponen contributed 21 points, including a key downtown bucket for the 76 – 76 in the first OT, plus 7 assists and 4 rebounds,
A.J. Slaughter notched 18 points, same as captain Adam Waczynski (4/7 three-pointers) and dropped what could’ve been the game-winner when he scored the jumper for the 76 – 78 with 13 seconds left in the first overtime to end. Yet Markkanen and Finland couldn’t be denied.
The Suicide: When Mateusz Ponitka (14 points, 4 rebounds) drained the corner three-pointer for the 57 – 66 with 1:33, everyone thought that the game was over. Heck, we believed that as well. But the Polish national team made two consecutive turnovers plus a truly unnecessary foul on Markkanenen’s late 3-point attempt that gave Finland all the opportunities it needed to achieve a complete comeback and force the first overtime.
The Blackout: The “Wolves” of Finland remained scoreless for more than five minutes in the fourth period, when their opponent slowly built that was proven to be a seemingly safe lead. Yet they weren’t punished for their poor offensive choices and lackluster shooting.
(Photo credit: FIBA)