The Finnish men’s national basketball team defeated Estonia 76-68 (47-36) in the World Cup qualifying round and took a giant leap towards next year’s World Cup tournament.
The Finnish men’s national basketball team beat Estonia 74–64 (47–36) in the World Cup qualifying round in Tallinn. Susigengi has won seven of its eight qualifying games. Estonia is jumbo in the group with two wins.
The match was decided in the final period, where Susijengi once again got their defense in iron shape and gave the opponent only 14 points. Back man Edon Maxhuni scored six important points as the game was settled. Twenty points total Sasun Salini two of the three were also poison for Estonia.
For the first time, Susijengi tightened up its defense in the second period and was largely able to go into the break with an 11-point lead – 47–36. Lauri Markkanen three dunks and Salini’s nine-point start right before the break were the best offer offensively.
Having increased their physicality, Estonia joined the fight for victory in the third quarter by winning the period 18–10. Susigengi miraculously lost balls, and there was no common thread in attacking play. However, Finland showed the necessary posture movement in the last episode.
Salin bagged 20 points, Markkanen 18, Alexander Madsen 11, Edon Maxhuni 9,Henri Kantonen 6, Mikael Jantunen 5, Shawn Huff 3 as well Topias Palmi and Ilari Seppälä 2.
Next Friday, Finland will start the EC final tournament in Prague with a match against Israel. The World Cup qualifiers continue for Finland in November.