Finland is wasting 21 points, but is at the top against Slovenia / News
Finland (3-1) beat Slovenia (2-2) for the second time in this FIBA window.
This time the hosts wasted a solid lead, but they managed to overcome the Olympic sensation and beat Slovenia 83-79 (26-16, 26-15, 12-18, 19-30).
Finland was strong from the first minute and took care of 10-2. In the end, their lead reached double-digit (14-4), remaining until the end of the first quarter (26-16).
Although the visitors responded (20-26), Finland finished the first half 8-0 and gained a 21-point lead (52-31).
Finland seemed to have full control of the match, but Slovenia managed to restore the plot in the middle of the fourth quarter, organize a 14-2 jump and reduce the gap to 7 points (65-72).
Mikael Jantunen let the team breathe easier (76-67), but Edo Muric took care of the laying, Jaka Blažič connected from the depth and Slovenia was 4 points behind (72-76). Nonetheless, Ilari Seppala on the other hand sank a three-pointer (79-72), laying the groundwork for Finland’s 1:14 victory to the end.
At Finland, Mikael Jantunen led with 17 points (3/3 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 5/6 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 steal and 20 PIRs.
Mike Tobey was the most effective player in the loser, scoring a double-double with 17 points (8/13 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 1/2 FT), 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 25 PIRs.
Finland: Mikael Jantunen 17 (5 REB), Sasu Salin 13 (5 REB), Ilari Seppala 13, Elias Valtonen 11 (5 REB, 4 AST), Shawn Huff 10 (8 REB).
Slovenia: Klemen Prepelič 20 (4 REB, 4 AST, 5 TO), Mike Tobey 17 (10 REB, 5 AST), Jaka Blažič 15 (4 REB).
Highlights