Finland edge out Croatia that lose their second straight game / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Finland (1-1) welcomed Croatia (0-2) in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, handing the visitors their second straight loss 77-71 (14-15, 20-19, 25-21, 18-16).

Croatia / Schedule

Croatia Slovenia74-76 Finland CroatiaSun17:00

Neither team was able to gain an edge in the first half, resulting in 10 lead changes. The score was tied at 34 at halftime.

However, Finland went on an 11-2 run in the third period, gaining a double-digit advantage (53-43). But Croatia erased their deficit and pulled out in front with two minutes remaining in the game (70-69).

But Edon Maxhuni and Sasu Salin converted two consecutive clutch 3-pointers, leading their team to a four-point victory.

37-year-old Shawn Huff led Finland with 14 points (1/2 2PT, 4/8 3PT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, and 21 PIR.

Finland:Edon Maxhuni 15 (5 AST),Shawn Huff 14 (9 REB),Elias Valtonen 12 (8 REB),Mikael Jantunen 10.

Croatia: Filip Bundovic 16, Danko Brankovic 10, Toni Perkovic 10, Lovro Gnjidic 7 (7 REB).

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