Korisliiga Round 5 (Regular Season): Kipina loses their first game against Pyrinto

After 5 rounds played we can already see who rules in the Korisliiga and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Kipina (3-1) in Tampere on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Pyrinto (2-3) 96-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kipina. Pyrinto made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game, while Kipina only scored eight points from the stripe. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Jamal West Jr (198-2001, college: UTEP) stepped up and scored 24 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and guard Jordan Mason (190-2004, college: Temple) chipped in 23 points. Forward Tristan Smith (196-2003, college: UNI) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Pyrinto moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Kipina keeps the third position with one game lost. Pyrinto is looking forward to face Kataja (#6) in Joensuu in the next round. Kipina will play at home against the league's leader Honka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Espoo. Leader host Honka (5-0) defeated 4th placed Lahti (2-2) 100-86. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lahti. Forward Alvar Peltoniemi (197-2001, college: Fresno Pacific) nailed 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and AJ Ferguson accounted for 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. American guard DMaurian Williams (190-2001, college: High Point) came up with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for Lahti in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Honka have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with KTP-Basket. Lahti at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. Honka will play against Kipina (#3) in Aanekoski in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Lahti will play at home against Karhubasket and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Kouvot has registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. The win is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked Kataja (2-3) 95-76 on Friday. The best player for the winners was Masai Troutman who scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). Josiah Harris produced 14 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. Kataja's coach Petri Virtanen rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kouvot (1-4) left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with Korihait and Bisons. It was Kataja's third loss in a row. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Kouvot will meet at home league's second-placed KTP-Basket in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Kataja will play against Pyrinto (#8) in Tampere and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5: bottom-ranked Kouvot lost to Lahti on the opponent's court 83-91. Bisons lost to defending champion Vilpas in a home game 70-81. KTP-Basket managed to beat Korihait on the road 100-89. Karhubasket defeated Seagulls on its own court 91-76. KTP-Basket smashed Vilpas in Kotka 102-81.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 26 points and 6 steals by Zion Styles of KTP-Basket.



Lahti - Kouvot 91-83:
Very expected game when 12th ranked Kouvot (1-4) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Lahti (2-2) 91-83 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was American guard DMaurian Williams (190-2001, college: High Point) who scored 17 points and 5 assists. Guard Riku Korhonen (196-2004) chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Lahti's coach Teemu Turunen used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Aaron Johnson-Cash (198-1998, college: UT Arlington, agency: Olsta) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import point guard Christian Terrell (183-2002, college: NM State) added 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 8 steals respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Lahti went down to fifth position due to points difference. Kouvot lost their fourth game in a row. They stay at the bottom place with four games lost. They share the position with Korihait and Bisons. Lahti will meet at home Karhubasket (#7) in the next round. Kouvot will play against the league's second-placed KTP-Basket (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kouvot: A.Johnson-Cash 23+10reb+2ast, C.Terrell 19+7reb+6ast, M.Troutman 16+1reb+1ast, A.Korkiatupa 11+5reb, S.Williams 9+5reb+2ast, E.Pallijeff 3+6reb+2ast
Lahti: W.D'Maurian 17+4reb+5ast, T.Jackson 16+2reb+2ast, K.Riku 14+8reb+4ast, K.Jonas 11+3reb, L.Eemi 8+2reb+2ast, C.Aaron 8+8reb+2ast

Honka - Lahti 100-86:
The game between Top Four teams took place in Espoo. Leader host Honka (5-0) defeated 4th placed Lahti (2-2) 100-86. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Lahti. Honka players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Forward Alvar Peltoniemi (197-2001, college: Fresno Pacific) nailed 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and American guard AJ Ferguson (201-2003, college: Murray St.) accounted for 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. American guard DMaurian Williams (190-2001, college: High Point) came up with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Riku Korhonen (196-2004) added 18 points respectively for Lahti in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Honka have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with KTP-Basket. Lahti at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. Honka will play against Kipina (#3) in Aanekoski in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Lahti will play at home against Karhubasket and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lahti: D.Williams 23+7reb+4ast, R.Korhonen 18+4reb+2ast, J.Threadgill 14+2reb+2ast, E.Luukkonen 10+6reb+1ast, A.Carver 8+9reb+2ast, V.Nyman 7+4reb
Honka: A.Peltoniemi 24+5reb+1ast, T.Lucas 17+2reb+5ast, P.Tomas 16+4reb+1ast, F.AJ 14+9reb+5ast, T.Iiro 12+2reb+1ast, F.Trevon 8+1reb

Kouvot - Kataja 95-76:
Kouvot has registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. The win is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked Kataja (2-3) 95-76 on Friday. Kouvot dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Kataja's 28. The best player for the winners was American guard Masai Troutman (196-2002, college: GMU) who scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). His fellow American import forward Sheldon Williams (203-2004, college: TAMUCC) chipped in 21 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Josiah Harris (206, college: La Salle) produced 14 points and 8 rebounds and ex-international Topias Palmi (196-1994, agency: Blacktop Management) added 17 points respectively for the guests. Four Kataja players scored in double figures. Kataja's coach Petri Virtanen rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kouvot (1-4) left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with Korihait and Bisons. It was Kataja's third loss in a row. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Kouvot will meet at home league's second-placed KTP-Basket in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Kataja will play against Pyrinto (#8) in Tampere and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kataja: T.Palmi 17+4reb+1ast, J.Harris 14+8reb+3ast, S.Strong 10+2reb+2ast, J.Lake 10+4reb, R.Springs 9+12reb+1ast, H.Permanto 6+2reb+2ast
Kouvot: T.Masai 30+5reb+5ast, W.Sheldon 21+7reb, P.Eino 12+3reb, J.Aaron 9+7reb, K.Teemu 9+3reb, T.Christian 9+5reb+3ast

Pyrinto - Kipina 96-91:
The most surprising game was the first loss of Kipina (3-1) in Tampere on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by eighth ranked Pyrinto (2-3) 96-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kipina. Pyrinto made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game, while Kipina only scored eight points from the stripe. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Jamal West Jr (198-2001, college: UTEP) stepped up and scored 24 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and guard Jordan Mason (190-2004, college: Temple) chipped in 23 points. Forward Tristan Smith (196-2003, college: UNI) responded with 23 points and 8 rebounds and guard Derrin Boyd (190-2000, college: Charleston, agency: One Motive Sports) scored 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Pyrinto moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Kipina keeps the third position with one game lost. Pyrinto is looking forward to face Kataja (#6) in Joensuu in the next round. Kipina will play at home against the league's leader Honka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kipina: T.Smith 23+8reb+2ast, J.McCoy 17+2reb+1ast, D.Boyd 16+6reb+4ast, J.Hilmer 10+2reb+5ast, H.Polla 7+5reb+1ast, T.Kuukkanen 7+1reb
Pyrinto: W.Jamal 24+7reb+2ast, M.Jordan 23+2reb+3ast, H.Shawn 18+3reb+2ast, P.Duane 10+4reb, M.Valtteri 7+2reb+5ast, E.Muhonen 6+6reb

Bisons - Vilpas 70-81:
Rather predictable result in Loimaa where fifth ranked Vilpas (3-2) defeated 9th ranked Bisons (1-4) 81-70 on Saturday. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was guard Leland Walker (185-2003, college: Wyoming) who scored 25 points and 5 assists. Forward Karl Chavis (198-2001, college: Young Harris, agency: Players Group) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Deshon Taylor (188-1996, college: Fresno St.) produced 22 points and 6 assists and power forward Javion Ogunyemi (206-1995, college: Siena) added 23 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion moved-up to fourth place. Loser Bisons dropped to the tenth position with four games lost. They share it with Kouvot and Korihait. Vilpas will meet Seagulls (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Bisons will play against Korihait and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bisons: J.Ogunyemi 23+7reb+1ast, D.Taylor 22+3reb+6ast, A.Alanen 8+3reb+1ast, F.Aidoo 8+2ast, V.Tahvanainen 6+4reb+3ast, A.Harris 3+3reb+1ast
Vilpas: W.Leland 25+1reb+5ast, C.Karl 16+6reb+1ast, A.Mikael 10+7reb+3ast, L.Sebastian 9+2reb+1ast, L.Riku 8+5reb+1ast, J.D.J. 6+7reb+1ast

Korihait - KTP-Basket 89-100:
Not a big story in a game in Uusikaupunki where 10th ranked Korihait (1-4) was defeated by leader KTP-Basket (5-0) 100-89 on Saturday. KTP-Basket made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game, while Korihait only scored six points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was American forward Mason Gillis (200-2000, college: Duke, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. Forward Joel Mantynen (199-2002, agency: Blacktop Management) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. American forward Devin Tillis (201-2001, college: Virginia) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import guard Thomas Murr (185-2002, college: UAH) added 24 points and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Five KTP-Basket and four Korihait players scored in double figures. Korihait's coach Pieti Poikola let to play ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for KTP-Basket. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Honka. Loser Korihait keeps the tenth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kouvot and Bisons. KTP-Basket will meet bottom-ranked Kouvot (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Korihait will play against Bisons in Loimaa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Korihait: D.Tillis 25+10reb+1ast, T.Murr 24+4reb+5ast, T.Niemi 13+2reb+2ast, R.Lindberg 12+4reb+4ast, J.Jackson 6+4reb, H.Joni 3+1reb
KTP-Basket: G.Mason 33+6reb+1ast, W.AJ 17+2reb+3ast, M.Joel 13+12reb+7ast, T.Joona 11+8reb+4ast, S.Zion 10+3reb+2ast, D.Daniel 10+6reb+1ast

Karhubasket - Seagulls 91-76:
There was a surprise result in Kauhajoki where ninth ranked Karhubasket (2-3) beat higher ranked Seagulls (2-3) 91-76 on Saturday. Karhubasket made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Karhubasket outrebounded Seagulls 49-33 including a 37-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American forward Chandler Cuthrell (203, college: Elon) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward Jerrell Bellamy (206-2002, college: Troy, agency: 011 Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds. Five Karhubasket players scored in double figures. American forward Rene Rougeau (198-1986, college: UNLV, agency: Blacktop Management) produced 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and ex-international forward Remu Raitanen (206-1997, college: USF, agency: Blacktop Management) added 21 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Karhubasket moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Seagulls. Karhubasket will meet higher ranked Lahti (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Seagulls will play against Vilpas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Seagulls: R.Raitanen 21+4reb+1ast, R.Rougeau 18+6reb+5ast, T.Williams 13+3reb+3ast, L.Nikkarinen 7+1reb+7ast, K.Kennedy 7+4reb+2ast, R.Waxlax 4+1reb
Karhubasket: B.Hugo 19+2reb+1ast, B.Jerrell 15+14reb, S.Erik 14+5reb+4ast, C.Chandler 13+12reb+5ast, B.Tyeree 11+8reb+1ast, H.Tehree 10+4reb+3ast

Vilpas - KTP-Basket 81-102:
There was no surprise in Salo where 5th ranked Vilpas (3-2) was outplayed by leader KTP-Basket (5-0) 102-81 on Wednesday. KTP-Basket made 25-of-27 free shots (92.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was forward Joel Mantynen (199-2002, agency: Blacktop Management) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. American guard Zion Styles (190-2000, college: UMES) chipped in 26 points and 6 steals. Five KTP-Basket players scored in double figures. American guard Leland Walker (185-2003, college: Wyoming) produced 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Karl Chavis (198-2001, college: Young Harris, agency: Players Group) added 16 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Vilpas' coach Jussi Savolainen gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for KTP-Basket. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Honka. Defending champion Vilpas dropped to the fourth place with two games lost. KTP-Basket will meet bottom-ranked Kouvot (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Vilpas will play against Seagulls (#9) in Helsinki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vilpas: L.Walker 25+5reb+5ast, K.Chavis 16+9reb, M.Aalto 12+6reb+2ast, E.Innamaa 7+2reb+1ast, S.Lindberg 6+3reb+2ast, D.Jeffries 6+7reb+1ast
KTP-Basket: S.Zion 26+3reb, G.Mason 21+5reb+1ast, M.Joel 17+11reb+6ast, G.Jesper 11+3reb+2ast, D.Daniel 11+2reb+2ast, W.AJ 8+1reb+2ast