Finland – Korisliiga Round 18: #1 Helsinki Seagulls are defeated by Joensuun Kataja

DanielMullings The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Helsinki Seagulls (14-2) on the court of third ranked Joensuun Kataja on Wednesday night. Visitors were rolled over by Joensuun Kataja 87-68. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Helsinki Seagulls. The game was mostly controlled by Joensuun Kataja. Helsinki Seagulls managed to win third quarter 15-8. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Canadian guard Daniel Mullings (188-91, college: N.Mexico St.) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Joey King (206-93, college: Minnesota) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American center Devonte Upson (206-93, college: SE Louisiana) with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Helsinki Seagulls’ coach Mikko Larkas rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Joensuun Kataja maintains third position with 10-5 record having five points less than leader Helsinki Seagulls. Helsinki Seagulls at the other side still keeps top place with two games lost. Joensuun Kataja is looking forward to face Kouvot (#7) in Kouvola in the next round. Helsinki Seagulls will play at home against KTP-Basket (#9) and is hoping to win this game. The game in Nokia supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (8-9) played at the court of 6th ranked BC Nokia (7-11). Lapuan Korikobrat did not have too big problems ending evening with a very confident victory 78-59. American forward Damon Williams (201-73, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo, agency: Two Points) notched 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and Jamal Jones supported him with 24 points. Even 9 points and 8 rebounds by American guard Isaiah Wilkerson (191-90, college: NJIT) did not help to save the game for BC Nokia. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lapuan Korikobrat maintains fifth position with 8-9 record. BC Nokia lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Lapuan Korikobrat will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. BC Nokia will play again on the road against Lapuan Korikobrat (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Second ranked Salon Vilpas (12-4) crushed at home 10th ranked UU-Korihait (4-13) by 34 points 91-57, which is the biggest margin this round on Wednesday night. The best player for the winners was Matias Ojala who scored 18 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Vesa-Pekka Laine who recorded 18 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Salon Vilpas have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-4 record having just two points less than leader Helsinki Seagulls. UU-Korihait lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. Salon Vilpas will again meet bottom-ranked UU-Korihait (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. UU-Korihait will have a break next round. In the last game of round 18 Kouvot was destroyed by KTP Basket on the opponent’s court 100-77. BC Nokia – Lapua 59-78The game in Nokia supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lapuan Korikobrat (8-9) played at the court of 6th ranked BC Nokia (7-11). Lapuan Korikobrat did not have too big problems ending evening with a very confident victory 78-59. The game without a history. Lapuan Korikobrat led from the first …

continue reading in source www.eurobasket.com