Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most exciting game of round 9 in the Korisliiga took place in Lahti. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 8th ranked Lahti (4-6) to first ranked Kobrat (7-2) 84-81 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. The guests trailed by 10 points at the halftime before their 46-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Danny Pippen (206-1997, college: Kent St.) who scored 31 points and 6 rebounds. Guard KJ Jackson (188-1998, college: UMBC) chipped in 25 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Michael Ertel II (188-1999, college: UAB) who recorded 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Lahti’s coach Pieti Poikola rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Kobrat maintains first place with 7-2 record, which they share with Kauhajoki. Lahti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Kobrat is looking forward to face Korihait (#11) in Uusikaupunki in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lahti will play on the road against Vilpas in Salo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Kotka (5-4) against tenth ranked Vilpas (4-5) on Friday night. Host Kotka was edged by Vilpas in a tough game in Kotka 84-85. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward KeyShawn Feazell (206-1998, college: Creighton) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Quentin Goodin contributed with 20 points and 5 assists for the winners. Vilpas’ coach Jussi Savolainen allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Jordan Giles (198-1998, college: UMKC, agency: One Motive Sports) answered with 19 points and 5 rebounds for Kotka. Vilpas moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Nokia. Kotka at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Seagulls. Vilpas will play against Lahti (#9) at home in the next round. Kotka will have a break next round.
An interesting game was played in Kouvola where Seagulls (#8) won against host Kouvot (#5) 86-79 on Friday evening. American players dominated the game. Zena Edosomwan stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The best for the losing side was Quan Jackson with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Seagulls have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kotka. Loser Kouvot dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Seagulls will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kouvot will play against Honka (#12) in Espoo and hope to secure a win.
Other games of round 9 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Kauhajoki defeated Nokia in a road game 86-76. Kataja beat Honka at home 80-68. Korihait was destroyed by Kauhajoki on the opponent’s court 80-48. Kauhajoki managed to outperform Lahti in a home game 85-68. Pyrinto recorded a loss to Kataja on the road 94-86.
The best stats of 9th round was 16 points by Kuany Kuany of Kauhajoki.
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Kouvot – Seagulls 79-86
An interesting game was played in Kouvola where Seagulls (#8) won against host Kouvot (#5) 86-79 on Friday evening. Kouvot trailed by 16 points at halftime and as many as 19 after three quarters before a 20-8 last quarter charge cut the deficit to 79-86 at the end of the game. Seagulls looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American players dominated the game. Power forward Zena Edosomwan (206-1993, college: Harvard) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and swingman Jeffrey Carroll (198-1994, college: OK State) chipped in 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was guard Quan Jackson (193-1997, college: UAB) with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Austin Butler (196, college: Charlotte) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Seagulls have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kotka. Loser Kouvot dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. Seagulls will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kouvot will play against Honka (#12) in Espoo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Seagulls: J.Carroll 21+5reb+4ast, A.Kanervo 15, Z.Edosomwan 14+16reb+4ast, Z.Waterman 12+5reb+2ast, L.Nikkarinen 8+4reb+5ast, O.Jarvi 7+3ast
Kouvot: Q.Jackson 22+7reb+4ast, A.Butler 20+10reb+1ast, D.Taylor 16+5reb+5ast, W.Martin 14+8reb+2ast, A.Korkiatupa 4+3reb+1ast, K.Teemu 3+1reb
gschID: 991140
Nokia – Kauhajoki 76-86
There was no surprise when 8th ranked Nokia (4-5) was defeated at home by second ranked Kauhajoki (7-2) 86-76 on Friday. The guests trailed by 5 points at the halftime before their 51-36 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. American forward Jeffrey Crockett (201-1991, college: Texas Tech) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import forward Lee Skinner (198-1992, college: Wofford) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Kauhajoki’s coach Janne Koskimies used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Johnathan Stove (193-1995, college: Louisiana, agency: One Motive Sports) with 25 points and forward Mikael Laihonen (202-1994) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Five Kauhajoki and four Nokia players scored in double figures. Kauhajoki have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kobrat. Loser Nokia dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Vilpas. Kauhajoki will meet Kataja (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Nokia will play against Pyrinto (#10) in Tampere and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kauhajoki: J.Crockett 20+11reb+3ast, L.Skinner 14+6reb+1ast, S.Kaukiainen 12+1reb+3ast, C.Jones 11+2reb+2ast, H.Kantonen 11+1reb+5ast, M.Patterson 10+7reb+1ast
Nokia: J.Stove 25+3reb+1ast, X.Ford 15+4reb, A.Lehto 12+4reb+2ast, M.Laihonen 10+8reb+3ast, K.Peltonen 6+2reb+2ast, A.Herndon 4+8reb+7ast
gschID: 991141
Kotka – Vilpas 84-85
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Kotka (5-4) against tenth ranked Vilpas (4-5) on Friday night. Host Kotka was edged by Vilpas in a tough game in Kotka 84-85. Kotka was ahead by 13 points after three quarters before a 28-14 charge of Vilpas, which allowed them to win the game. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward KeyShawn Feazell (206-1998, college: Creighton) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Quentin Goodin (193-1997, college: Xavier) contributed with 20 points and 5 assists for the winners. Vilpas’ coach Jussi Savolainen allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Forward Jordan Giles (198-1998, college: UMKC, agency: One Motive Sports) answered with 19 points and 5 rebounds and guard Roydell Brown (198-1998, college: McNeese St.) added 14 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Kotka. Four Vilpas and five Kotka players scored in double figures. Vilpas moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Nokia. Kotka at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Seagulls. Vilpas will play against Lahti (#9) at home in the next round. Kotka will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Vilpas: K.Feazell 21+11reb+1ast, Q.Goodin 20+2reb+5ast, I.Crawley 16+6reb+1ast, J.Pipkins 10+6reb+1ast, R.Ahonen 7+1reb+4ast, J.Nenonen 5+1reb
Kotka: J.Giles 19+5reb+3ast, J.Lehtoranta 14+2reb+3ast, R.Brown 14+11reb+2ast, J.Henttonen 12+2reb+2ast, B.Sly 10+4reb+7ast, B.Tabb 9+6reb+1ast
gschID: 991139
Lahti – Kobrat 81-84
The most exciting game of round 9 in the Korisliiga took place in Lahti. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 8th ranked Lahti (4-6) to first ranked Kobrat (7-2) 84-81 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. The guests trailed by 10 points at the halftime before their 46-33 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Danny Pippen (206-1997, college: Kent St.) who scored 31 points and 6 rebounds. Guard KJ Jackson (188-1998, college: UMBC) chipped in 25 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Michael Ertel II (188-1999, college: UAB) who recorded 27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and forward Karl Gamble (206-1996, college: MTSU, agency: Players Group) added 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Lahti’s coach Pieti Poikola rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Kobrat maintains first place with 7-2 record, which they share with Kauhajoki. Lahti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Kobrat is looking forward to face Korihait (#11) in Uusikaupunki in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lahti will play on the road against Vilpas in Salo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kobrat: D.Pippen 31+6reb, K.Jackson 25+4reb+6ast, E.Adams 13+8reb, H.Boyd 6+2reb, C.Chukwuma 5+5reb, J.Kilpinen 2+1reb+3ast
Lahti: M.Ertel II 27+5reb+4ast, K.Gamble 17+7reb+2ast, S.Haney 15+3reb+1ast, E.Sajantila 7+3reb+5ast, L.Eemi 6, A.Saarijarvi 4+5reb+3ast
gschID: 991142
Kataja – Honka 80-68
No shocking result in a game in Joensuu where third ranked Kataja (6-3) defeated bottom-ranked Honka (2-7) 80-68 on Saturday. The game was mostly controlled by Kataja. Honka managed to win fourth quarter 22-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson (198-1991, college: Temple) stepped up and scored 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and his fellow American import forward Galin Smith (206-1998, college: Maryland) chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Canadian guard Malcolm Duvivier (190-1995, college: Akron) with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Valtteri Mervola (185-2002, agency: Blacktop Management) scored 12 points and 7 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kataja have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 6-3 record behind leader Kobrat. Newly promoted Honka stay at the bottom position with seven games lost. Kataja will meet at home league’s second-placed Kauhajoki in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Honka will play against Kouvot (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kataja: R.Hollis-Jefferson 17+7reb+6ast, G.Smith 16+9reb+2ast, A.Egekeze 13+5reb+1ast, L.Sebastian 10+1reb, T.Hirvonen 7+1reb+8ast, T.Lommi 7+1reb+1ast
Honka: M.Duvivier 22+5reb+4ast, T.Kotti 13+4reb+3ast, M.Valtteri 12+2reb+7ast, K.Waters 9+2reb, A.Lawson 6+7reb+3ast, L.Aamos 3+1reb+1ast
gschID: 991143
Kauhajoki – Korihait 80-48
Very expected game when 11th ranked Korihait (2-6) was rolled over on the road by second ranked Kauhajoki (7-2) 80-48 on Sunday. The game without a history. Kauhajoki led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Korihait to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Kauhajoki looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Korihait’s players. Point guard Severi Kaukiainen (185-1998, agency: Blacktop Management) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 assists for the winners and South Sudanese-Australian guard Kuany Kuany (201-1994, college: Chaminade) chipped in 16 points. Four Kauhajoki players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was power forward Mikael Aalto (205-1994) with 9 points and 9 rebounds and Bosnian point guard Bojan Sarcevic (190-1988) scored 8 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kauhajoki have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kobrat. Loser Korihait keeps the eleventh place with six games lost. Kauhajoki will meet Kataja (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Korihait will play against the league’s leader Kobrat (#1) in Lapua and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kauhajoki: K.Kuany 16+4reb, D.Dolenc 12+3reb+1ast, M.Patterson 12+5reb, S.Kaukiainen 10+1reb+13ast, E.Innamaa 9+2reb+1ast, M.Marttinen 8+1reb
Korihait: M.Aalto 9+9reb+1ast, P.Oduro 8+6reb, B.Sarcevic 8+5reb+2ast, Q.Cooper 6+3reb, J.Herrala 6+3reb+3ast, T.Niemi 6+1reb+2ast
gschID: 1048743
Kauhajoki – Lahti 85-68
Very predictable result when second ranked Kauhajoki (7-2) beat at home 8th ranked Lahti (4-6) 85-68 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Kauhajoki. Lahti managed to win third quarter 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kauhajoki looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American players dominated also this game. Guard Cameron Jones (193-1989, college: NAU, agency: BIG) stepped up and scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and forward Manny Patterson (203-1998, college: SEMO) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Jones is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Kauhajoki players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Devon Thomas (183-1994, college: Texas Tech) with 21 points and guard Michael Ertel II (188-1999, college: UAB) scored 13 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kauhajoki have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kobrat. Lahti lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth place with six games lost. Kauhajoki will meet Kataja (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Lahti will play against Vilpas (#8) in Salo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kauhajoki: M.Patterson 15+6reb+2ast, C.Jones 15+8reb+7ast, S.Kaukiainen 11+5reb+3ast, D.Dolenc 11+2ast, M.Marttinen 8+4reb, J.Crockett 8+9reb+4ast
Lahti: D.Thomas 21+4reb+3ast, M.Ertel II 13+1reb+2ast, L.Eemi 9+5reb+1ast, E.Sajantila 7+2reb+1ast, K.Gamble 7+3reb, H.Ventoniemi 5+4reb+2ast
gschID: 991144
Kataja – Pyrinto 94-86
Not a big story in a game in Joensuu where 10th ranked Pyrinto (3-5) was defeated by third ranked Kataja (6-3) 94-86 on Wednesday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 26-20. But Pyrinto won second period 22-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kataja looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American players dominated also this game. Forward Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson (198-1991, college: Temple) stepped up and scored 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners and forward Galin Smith (206-1998, college: Maryland) chipped in 20 points and 10 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Daytone Jennings (206-1997, college: CSUSB) with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard LJ Thorpe (196-1999, college: UNC Asheville) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kataja have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 6-3 record behind leader Kobrat. Loser Pyrinto keeps the tenth position with five games lost. Kataja will meet at home league’s second-placed Kauhajoki in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Pyrinto will play against Nokia (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kataja: A.Egekeze 21+6reb+1ast, G.Smith 20+10reb, R.Hollis-Jefferson 20+9reb+2ast, L.Turner 10+2reb+10ast, T.Lommi 9, T.Hirvonen 6+1reb+9ast
Pyrinto: D.Jennings 22+5reb+4ast, L.Thorpe 17+5reb+3ast, J.Lawrence 13+8reb, O.Heinonen 12+4reb, P.Arttu 7, T.Pihlajamaki 5+1reb+2ast
gschID: 991145
Tags : DANNY PIPPEN, LAPUAN KOBRAT, FINNISH BASKETBALL
