Unstoppable Lauri Markkanen guides Finland to first place in Group C / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Finland (4-1) clinched the first spot in Group C of the World Cup Qualifiers by defeating Sweden (2-3) at home, 85-69 (19-29, 24-17, 26-8, 16-15).

Finland / Schedule

Finland Sweden85-69 Croatia FinlandSun18:00

Led by the Cleveland Cavaliers big man Markkanen, Finland kicked off into a higher gear after halftime. They started the third quarter with a 13-3 run and were 10 points in front of Sweden.

From that point of the game, the Finns never let their opponents think about the W.

Lauri Markkanen proved his star status in the squad, finishing the game with 22 points (6/9 2PT, 2/6 3PT, 4/4 FT), 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 turnovers, 4 steals, and 31 PIR.

Danzel Andersson was the top performer for the losing side with 18 points (2/3 2PT, 3/7 3PT, 5/5 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 3 steals, and 17 PIR.

Finland: Lauri Markkanen 22 (11 REB), Mikael Jantunen 15 (6 REB), Edon Maxhuni 15 (5 REB, 5 AST), Alexander Madsen 13 (6 REB).

Sweden: Denzel Andersson 18, Ludvig Hakanson 10 (5 AST), Viktor Gaddefors 9, Simon Birgander 9 (8 REB, 6 AST).

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