Finland – Korisliiga Round 2: UU-Korihait loses to Joensuun Kataja

DanielMullings There were only 2 rounds played so far and it’s still very beginning of the Regular Season in Korisliiga. UU-Korihait (1-1) recorded a loss on the court of Joensuun Kataja on Sunday night. Visitors were rolled over by Joensuun Kataja 102-83. The game was mostly controlled by Joensuun Kataja. UU-Korihait managed to win second period 32-27. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Joensuun Kataja dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to UU-Korihait’s 38. Joensuun Kataja forced 19 UU-Korihait turnovers. Joensuun Kataja looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was Canadian guard Daniel Mullings (188-91, college: N.Mexico St.) who scored 24 points and 4 assists (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). American guard Byron Wesley (196-92, college: Gonzaga) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists. American guard Emmanuel Holloway (185-86, college: Illinois St., agency: Blacktop Management) produced 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Joensuun Kataja is looking forward to face Kouvot (#7) in Kouvola in the next round. UU-Korihait will play on the road against Helsinki Seagulls and is hoping to win this game. Very important is a road loss of Kouvot (1-1) against Lapuan Korikobrat (1-1) on Friday night. Visiting Kouvot was defeated by Lapuan Korikobrat in Lapua 81-69. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Damon Williams (201-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo, agency: Two Points) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Dom Morris contributed with 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward Gregg Thondique (201-87, college: Virginia Union, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds for Kouvot. Kouvot’s coach Antti Hurri rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Lapuan Korikobrat will play against Tampereen Pyrinto (#10) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Kouvot will play against Joensuun Kataja (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Kauhajoki was also quite interesting. Helsinki Seagulls (2-0) played at the court of Kauhajoen Karhu (0-1). Helsinki Seagulls managed to secure a 8-point victory 80-72 on Saturday. Raymond Cowels III scored 17 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Kammeon Holsey responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Helsinki Seagulls will meet at home UU-Korihait (#4) in the next round. Kauhajoen Karhu will play against KTP-Basket (#5) and hope to win that game. A very interesting game took place in Tampere. It ended with only one-point home defeat of Tampereen Pyrinto (0-2) to Salon Vilpas (2-0) 91-90 on Friday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. The game was also dominated by American players. Desmond Williams notched 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the effort. Salon Vilpas’ coach Joonas Iisalo allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Salon Vilpas’ next round opponent will be BC Nokia (#9) at home and are hoping to win another game. Tampereen Pyrinto will play against Lapuan Korikobrat and hope to win that game. In the last game of round 2 winless BC Nokia was defeated by KTP Basket in Kotka 88-71. Kataja Basket – Korihait 102-83UU-Korihait (1-1) recorded a loss on the court of Joensuun Kataja on Sunday night. Visitors were rolled over by Joensuun Kataja 102-83. The game was mostly controlled by Joensuun Kataja. UU-Korihait managed to win second period 32-27. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Joensuun Kataja dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to UU-Korihait’s 38. Joensuun Kataja forced 19 UU-Korihait turnovers. Joensuun Kataja looked …

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