Finland’s basketball players took a giant leap towards the World Cup by defeating Israel 79-73 (47-37) in the first match of the further qualification in Tampere.
20:38•Updated 21:11
Finland fought for a crucial victory over its worst threat, Israel, with a score of 79-73 (47-37).
The win was Susijeng’s sixth in the World Cup qualifiers, Israel, who is fourth in the further group, has three wins. The three best countries in the six-country qualifying group advance to the World Cup final tournament starting in August 2023.
The match was decided at the end of the last quarter, where Israel was close to a point – 73–74. During the last minute and a half, Finland’s defense was strong. Israel wasted points from the free throw line, succeeding only 55 (12/22) percent.
The head coach Lassi Tuovia really big win for Finland?
– Yes, yes it is. Sports are great. Maybe it wasn’t the optimal preparation, but here is a group that has played together before and managed to win.
– We were patient and took the shots we wanted. In front of such a large audience, it is not always so obvious. Competing in defense was the key to victory today, emphasized Tuovi.
From the last five Susijeng points Lauri Markkanen made three and Petteri Koponen two. Markkanen was Finland’s best scorer with 28 points. Elias Valtonen scored 14, Petteri Koponen 8, Olivier “Olli” Nkamhoua 6,Sasu Salin6 and Edon Maxhuni 4.
Tuovi has drawn on the expertise of Huff and Kopose for 12 years
A new page is turned in Susijeng’s history when the team’s long-term core players Shawn Huff and Petteri Koponen are about to hit the nail on the head. The duo played their last domestic game of their career on Thursday.
– I have followed the activities of Huff and Koposen myself for 12 years and gained experience from how the top players work, live and lead this team. It has big boots to fill sometimes. For the time being, I’m enjoying the fact that those boots are filled for the time being, Tuovi stated.
At the beginning of the second period, Finland was in trouble with the fast-footed Israelis. However, Tuovi got his protégé’s defense into a better shape and the team played an effective start after that.
Israel led the match 35–33, but Susijengi went wild in the closing moments of the second period, winning 14–2. Valtonen was excellent in the second period, scoring as many as 12 points.
Finland will next meet away in the World Cup qualifying round on Sunday Jukka Toijalan piloted by Estonia.
– What pleases me the most here is that we have played such a good five, six great matches. The Estonian match will be completely different. We picked Israel as the favorite because they have played so convincingly over the last month (winning all five preparatory training matches). Against Estonia, we have to endure the fact that they come in the underdog position, Tuovi said.