Finland beat New Zealand by the horns

By Eurohoops Team / [email protected]

Finland and New Zealand played their first test match today in preparation for this year’s FIBA ​​Olympic qualifiers.

In a game that was even and even from start to finish, the home side managed to take the lead with a last-second triple from Sasu Salin. The former La Laguna Tenerife player scored his only triple of the night (after five previous failed attempts) to give his side a 73 to 70 victory.

Mikael Jantunen was the clear MVP of the Finnish national team. The forward posted a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds, and was backed up by the duo of Elias Valdönen and Alexander Madsen, who combined for a total of 25 points.

New Zealand showed flashes of good basketball and found their mark in Corey Webster (18 points), but they couldn’t avoid defeat.

Lassi Duovi’s side now travel to Valencia to take part in the FIFA 2024 Olympic qualifiers, where they face dangerous Bahamas and Poland in Group B. New Zealand, on the other hand, will travel to Greece to face Slovenia and Croatia. In group A.

Photo credit: 2023 FIBA ​​World Cup