Ura Basket claimed the 2025-26 Finnish U19 Boys' Championship on Wednesday, beating KTP 98-91 in a thrilling Game 3 decider at Steveco Areena in front of 1,250 spectators — an exceptional crowd for junior basketball in Finland.
The Kaarina-based club trailed by three at halftime (47-50) as KTP, buoyed by their raucous home support, fought tooth and nail in the first half. But the second half belonged to Ura Basket. The visitors seized the lead early in the third quarter and opened the gap to 19 points at the start of the fourth, seemingly putting the game beyond reach.
But as they had done throughout the playoffs, KTP showed incredible resilience, storming back to within two points with just over three minutes remaining. The packed arena was on its feet, but Ura Basket's composure proved decisive — a key possession extended the lead back out, and the visitors sealed the championship from the free-throw line.
Verneri Virtanen (194-G-2007) was the star of the show with 34 points and five rebounds, dominating when it mattered most. Lucas Kalliomaki (192-G/F-2007) added 22 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, while Topias Reinikka (195-F) contributed 17 points and six rebounds. For KTP, Tuukka Kiviharju (185-G) was outstanding in defeat with 25 points, four rebounds, and four steals, but it was not enough to prevent the trophy heading to Kaarina.
Ura Basket succeed last year's champions Drive Basketball Academy Black, who won the 2024-25 title behind Aaron Ekwere's remarkable 51-point, 19-rebound performance in the clincher against Tampereen Pyrinto.