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
Lauri  Markkanen
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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Estonia
Finland
41%
26/63
Field goals
43%
30/69
38
Rebounds
44
14
Assists
13
10
Steals
9
18
Fouls
15
50%
17/34
2-pointers
55%
22/40

Best players

Maik  Kotsar
14 PTS
5/8 FG
4/8 FT
Sasu  Salin
20 PTS
7/12 FG
1/2 FT
Maik  Kotsar
9 REB
7 DREB
2 OREB
Alexander  Madsen
12 REB
8 DREB
4 OREB
Estonia
Few players
4 As
Edon  Maxhuni
4 As
2 TO
24 MIN
Maik  Kotsar
17 EFF
63% 2P%
- 3P%
Lauri  Markkanen
19 EFF
60% 2P%
0% 3P%