Basketball News, Scores, Stats, Analysis, Standings

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise of round 14 in Korisliiga was guest Bisons‘ (#3) easy road victory over Pyrinto (#4) 94-79 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pyrinto. Bisons dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Pyrinto‘s 34. Bisons looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Pyrinto helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Victor Iwuakor (200-1999, college: Southern Miss) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. The other American import power forward Jeremiah Wood (201-1985) chipped in 12 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Canadian-Croatian guard Luka Sakota (198-2001, college: Northeastern) produced 22 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. Pyrinto’s coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bisons maintains third position with 9-5 record having just one point less than leader Seagulls. Pyrinto at the other side dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with Vilpas. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Helsinki. First ranked Seagulls faced 3rd ranked Karhubasket. Host Seagulls (11-2) smashed guests from Kauhajoki (8-5) 99-69. American Curtis Hollis (198-1998, college: Hutchinson) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. Rene Rougeau contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Andre Gustavson (197-1999, college: Richmond, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 16 points and 9 rebounds for Karhubasket. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Seagulls have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-2 record. Karhubasket at the other side dropped to the fourth place with five games lost. Seagulls will play against Korihait (#7) in Uusikaupunki in the next round where they are favorite. Karhubasket will play on the road against Honka in Espoo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Espoo between Honka and Kouvot. Seventh ranked Honka (6-8) got a very close home victory over 9th ranked Kouvot (5-8). Honka managed to escape with a 1-point win 97-96 in the fight for the eighth place. The game was dominated by American players. Anthony Roberts had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Hakim Hart responded with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Honka have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Honka went down to eighth position due to points difference. Loser Kouvot keeps the ninth place with eight games lost. Honka will meet at home higher ranked Karhubasket (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kouvot will play against KTP-Basket (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 14 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Nokia defeated Vilpas in a road game 107-92. Vilpas beat Honka at home 91-79. Nokia lost to Korihait on the opponent’s court 80-90.

Seagulls – Karhubasket 99-69

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Helsinki. First ranked Seagulls faced 3rd ranked Karhubasket. Host Seagulls (11-2) smashed guests from Kauhajoki (8-5) 99-69. Seagulls made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Karhubasket‘s players. Karhubasket was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American Curtis Hollis (198-1998, college: Hutchinson) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. The other American import swingman Rene Rougeau (198-1986, college: UNLV, agency: Blacktop Management) contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Seagulls players scored in double figures. The former international guard Andre Gustavson (197-1999, college: Richmond, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 16 points and 9 rebounds and forward Aamos Laavainen (203-2003, college: Fresno Pacific) added 5 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Karhubasket. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Seagulls have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 11-2 record. Karhubasket at the other side dropped to the fourth place with five games lost. Seagulls will play against Korihait (#7) in Uusikaupunki in the next round where they are favorite. Karhubasket will play on the road against Honka in Espoo and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Seagulls: C.Hollis 23+12reb+2ast, S.Hopkins 17+3reb+2ast, R.Rougeau 15+7reb+3ast, E.Sajantila 14+5reb, L.Nikkarinen 10+1reb+12ast, T.Olison 10+6reb+3ast
Karhubasket: A.Gustavson 16+9reb, J.Salmi 9+1reb+2ast, K.Koivunen 8+1reb, K.Anderson 7+3reb+1ast, S.Millner Jr. 7+3reb+1ast, J.Hakamaa 5+1reb+1ast

gschID: 1202132

Honka – Kouvot 97-96

A very close game took place in Espoo between Honka and Kouvot. Seventh ranked Honka (6-8) got a very close home victory over 9th ranked Kouvot (5-8). Honka managed to escape with a 1-point win 97-96 in the fight for the eighth place. Strangely Kouvot outrebounded Honka 45-31 including a 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Anthony Roberts (195-2001, college: PFW) had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Darius Quisenberry (185-1999, college: Fordham) chipped in 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals during the contest. Guard Hakim Hart (203-2001, college: Villanova, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 27 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Blake Francis (183-1998, college: Richmond) scored 28 points and 4 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Honka have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Honka went down to eighth position due to points difference. Loser Kouvot keeps the ninth place with eight games lost. Honka will meet at home higher ranked Karhubasket (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kouvot will play against KTP-Basket (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Honka: A.Roberts 25+12reb+2ast, P.Emilien 20+2reb+1ast, D.Quisenberry 16+5reb+4ast, I.Tuomi 14+3reb, R.Korhonen 11+3reb+2ast, A.Peltoniemi 5+2reb+2ast
Kouvot: B.Francis 28+4ast, H.Hart 27+5reb, A.Gilder 11+11reb, M.Besselink 10+6reb, T.Jokela 10+11reb, E.Muhonen 5+6reb+1ast

gschID: 1202133

Vilpas – Nokia 92-107

There was an upset in Salo where higher ranked Vilpas (8-6) was defeated by tenth ranked Nokia (4-10) 107-92 on Tuesday. Nokia outrebounded Vilpas 36-25 including 22 on the defensive glass. Nokia looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American swingman Isaiah Ross (193-1996, college: Iona) scored 27 points and 8 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Clevon Brown (203-1998, college: FIU) chipped in 23 points and 12 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. British guard Amin Adamu (194-1997, college: Montana St.) responded with 26 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Omar Payne (208-2001, college: UCF, agency: Inception Sports) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains tenth position with 4-10 record. Loser Vilpas dropped to the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with Pyrinto. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Nokia: I.Ross 27+2reb+8ast, C.Brown 23+12reb, K.Ross 17+1reb+5ast, G.Davis-McMurrin 12+14reb+7ast, M.Besselink 10+2reb+1ast, T.Murphy 10+1reb+1ast
Vilpas: A.Adamu 26+7reb+1ast, S.Adler 14+1reb+2ast, D.Donaldson 12+3reb+2ast, O.Payne 12+5reb+1ast, M.Koivisto 10+1reb+4ast, E.Innamaa 10+1ast

gschID: 1202134

Vilpas – Honka 91-79

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Vilpas‘ (8-6) home victory over 7th ranked Honka (6-8) 91-79 on Friday. Vilpas looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Vilpas made 8 blocks. American guard Donovan Donaldson (185-1996, college: Tusculum) scored 16 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Vili Nyman (198-1998, agency: Blacktop Management) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Donaldson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Vilpas players scored in double figures. American point guard Darius Quisenberry (185-1999, college: Fordham) responded with 22 points and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import guard David Gonzalvez (193-1987, college: Richmond) scored 18 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Vilpas moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Pyrinto. Newly promoted Honka dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. Vilpas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Honka will play against Karhubasket (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vilpas: D.Donaldson 16+1reb+5ast, V.Nyman 15+6reb+1ast, M.Koivisto 14+5reb+1ast, S.Adler 12+3reb+5ast, A.Adamu 12+4reb+3ast, O.Payne 11+4reb+2ast
Honka: D.Quisenberry 22+5reb+3ast, D.Gonzalvez 18+3reb+1ast, A.Roberts 9+7reb+3ast, P.Emilien 6+6reb+1ast, A.Peltoniemi 6+3reb, R.Korhonen 5+1reb

gschID: 1202135

Korihait – Nokia 90-80

Rather expected game in Uusikaupunki where 10th ranked Nokia (4-10) was defeated by eighth ranked Korihait (7-7) 90-80 on Friday. Korihait outrebounded Nokia 36-24 including a 28-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Korihait looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The game was also dominated by American players. Forward Kaleb Warner (201-1995, college: WOU) scored 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and forward Dravon Mangum (203-2000, college: La Tech, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Korihait’s coach Ivan Ivanovic used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Gage Davis-McMurrin (195-1995, college: St.Cloud St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and swingman Isaiah Ross (193-1996, college: Iona) scored 20 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Korihait moved-up to seventh place. Defending champion Nokia keeps the tenth position with ten games lost. Korihait will meet league’s leader Seagulls in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Nokia will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Korihait: K.Warner 21+6reb, D.Mangum 18+8reb+1ast, M.Aalto 17+6reb+2ast, W.Person Jr. 11+3reb+3ast, J.Herrala 7+1reb+5ast, K.Peltonen 6+2reb+2ast
Nokia: G.Davis-McMurrin 23+10reb+5ast, I.Ross 20+2reb+1ast, K.Ross 12+3reb+7ast, A.Kanervo 11+4reb, C.Brown 8+4reb+1ast, T.Murphy 4+1reb+1ast