By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
In the midst of an incredible atmosphere, Finland got the win in the Northern battle against Iceland with 83-79, despite the latter’s attempt for a consoling win.
The Finnish squad will face Italy in the next round.
The star: Lauri Markkanen stepped up again for the Finnish squad and finished the game with 23 points.
Turning point: Despite a numb start, Iceland fought back and trimmed the deficit to 6 points by the end of the first period (24-18), and with effective perimeter shooting once again threatened Finland at halftime (42-40). Acox tied the score to 52 points at 26′, then with a 3-pointer by Ermolinskij, Iceland got the lead of the game (52-55).
By the end of the third period, the tide had turned into Iceland’s favor, as the team led with 59-52. With a 17-8 run in the final period and a long three by Salin, Finland regained the upper hand (69-67). Α few decisive plays followed that determined the outcome of the game.
Key players: For Finland, Sasu Salin and Petteri Koponen also held the flag high with 17 and 10 points each. Jon Stefansson was the leading scorer for the Icelandic side with 13 points.
(Photo credit: FIBA.basketball)