Lauri Markkanen-Sasu Salin duo leads Finland past Estonia / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The Finland (7-1) leader duo of Sasu Salin and Lauri Markkanen once again provided a solid scoring performance once again and led their team to a hard-fought win over Estonia (2-6) 76-68 (23-21, 24-15, 10-18, 19-14) in the Second Round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Player of the Game EFF 19 Lauri Markkanen Points 18 Accuracy 9-18 Rebounds 9 Assists 1

Salin and Markkanen scored half of all Finland's points. Salin contributed with 20 points while making five three-pointers and grabbed 4 rebounds. Markkanen added 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the team with 20 PIR.

Finland was slightly better in the first half with a dominant second quarter. With the score at 24-23 and Estonia leading by one, the away team went on an 8-0 run to capture a seven-point lead (31-24).

Trailing by 11 points (38-49), Estonia went on a 13-0 run to recapture the lead (51-49). However, the end of the quarter was better for the guests and teams headed into the final 10 minutes separated by three (54-57).

Although Estonia tried to battle for the victory, clutch shots by Sasu Salin sealed Finland's win in the fourth quarter. With Sweden defeating Israel, Finland has now guaranteed itself a spot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Estonia: Maik-Kalev Katsar 14 (5/8 2PT, 9 REB), Kerr Kriisa 13 (2/7 3PT, 4 AST), Janari Joesaar 10 (3/3 2PT, 1/6 3PT).

Finland: Sasu Salin 20 (5/10 3PT, 4 REB), Lauri Markkanen 18 (9/15 2PT, 0/3 3PT, 9 REB), Alexander Madsen 11 (4/8 2PT, 12 REB).

Full game highlights:

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