Markkanen scores 28 as Finland hold off Sweden in tense battle

TAMPERE (Finland) – Hosts Finland were made to work hard, but eventually got over the line to beat Sweden 93-90 in front of 11,865 fans in Tampere.

They had the star power of Lauri Markkanen with a team-high 28 points, but also a pivotal contribution from 18-year-old Miikka Muurinen down the stretch as the game went down to the wire.

Turning Point

Both teams matched each other, blow for blow and bucket for bucket, in a fiercely intense battle. Sweden edged ahead at 75-72 in the fourth, but Finland responded, thanks to consecutive scores from teenager Muurinen.

Pelle Larsson would narrow the gap to 83-81 with 3:44 remaining, but a triple from the wing by Mikael Jantunen in the next possession handed the hosts an 86-81 advantage. However, Sweden, led by the evergreen Ludwig Hakanson, retook the lead before Finland made sure they sank their all-important free throws at the most critical of times.

TCL Player of the Game

When Finland needed their star man, he delivered. Lauri Markkanen scored the majority of his first-half points at the free-throw line, as Sweden made life as difficult as they could.

Then an emphatic dunk to start the third gave his nation the needed boost, and despite more pressure from their neighbors in yellow, Markkanen helped Finland through the storm to lead all scorers with 28 points.

Edon Maxhuni added 15 points for the victors in what was a physical first test with Sasu Salin adding 11 points to 7 assists. Ludvig Hakanson led Sweden with 28 points including six triples.

Stats Don’t Lie

In a pulsating encounter that featured 20 lead changes, the most significant lead of the game was eight points, which Finland established in the first quarter, leading 21-13 with two minutes to play.

Despite Sweden shooting the ball better than their counterparts at an impressive 63 percent, they were let down by their free throw shooting with eight misses from 17 attempts.

Bottom Line

The hosts passed their first test on home court. They will face off against Great Britain on Friday, looking to improve to 2-0 against a spirited GB side that is looking to bounce back. Sweden’s next test will come against the world champions, Germany, who dominated their opener against Montenegro.

They Said

For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

FIBA