Finland – Korisliiga Round 13: Helsinki Seagulls edge Tampereen Pyrinto by three points

RaymondCowelsIII Host teams show no mercy winning all games. Eighth-ranked Tampereen Pyrinto (4-9) made lots of trouble for leader Helsinki Seagulls (11-0) on Sunday. Helsinki Seagulls managed to secure only three-point victory 82-79. However their fans expected much easier game. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Tampereen Pyrinto won third quarter 24-23. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Helsinki Seagulls made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. The game was dominated by American players. Swingman Raymond Cowels III (193-90, college: Santa Clara) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Jason Conley (196-81, college: Missouri, agency: Blacktop Management) chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Helsinki Seagulls’ coach Mikko Larkas used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Swingman Ricky Minard (196-82, college: Morehead St., agency: SDJ Sports) produced 13 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for lost side. Undefeated Helsinki Seagulls have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 11-0 record. Tampereen Pyrinto lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with nine games lost. Helsinki Seagulls are looking forward to face UU-Korihait (#9) in Uusikaupunki in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tampereen Pyrinto will play on the road against Lapuan Korikobrat and it may be a tough game between close rivals. An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Salo. Third ranked Salon Vilpas faced 4th placed Kauhajoen Karhu. Host Salon Vilpas (8-4) defeated guests from Kauhajoki (6-6) 92-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kauhajoen Karhu. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Al’Lonzo Coleman (201-89, college: Presbyterian) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Matias Ojala contributed with 21 points for the winners. American forward DeVaughn Washington (202-89, college: Ohio, agency: Mansfield and Associates) answered with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for Kauhajoen Karhu. Salon Vilpas maintains third place with 8-4 record having just two points less than leader Helsinki Seagulls. Kauhajoen Karhu at the other side keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with BC Nokia. Salon Vilpas will play against BC Nokia (#4) on the road in the next round. Kauhajoen Karhu will play against KTP-Basket in Kotka and hopes to get back on the winning track. The game in Kouvola was also quite interesting. 6th ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (4-7) played at the court of seventh ranked Kouvot (5-7). Kouvot managed to secure a 6-point victory 98-92 on Sunday. The game was also dominated by American players. Paris Horne stepped up and scored 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Kouvot’s coach Antti Hurri allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side Jamal Jones responded with 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place. Lapuan Korikobrat lost their third game in a row. Loser Lapuan Korikobrat dropped to the seventh position with seven games lost. Kouvot will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Lapuan Korikobrat will play against Tampereen Pyrinto (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game with biggest result difference took place in Joensuu. Local Joensuun Kataja (9-3) outscored 10th ranked KTP-Basket (3-9) 93-74. Rion Brown nailed a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. Joensuun Kataja’s coach Greg Gibson allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Joensuun Kataja maintains second place with 9-3 record having just one point less than leader Helsinki Seagulls. KTP-Basket lost their fifth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Joensuun Kataja will have a break next round. KTP-Basket …

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