Korisliiga Round 8 (Regular Season): KTP-Basket lose their first game against Honka

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of KTP-Basket (7-1) in Kotka on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Honka (6-2) 119-105. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of KTP-Basket. Honka dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to KTP-Basket's 38. Honka looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Alvar Peltoniemi (197-2001, college: Fresno Pacific) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 6 rebounds and American guard AJ Ferguson (201-2003, college: Murray St.) who added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) during the contest. Honka's coach Aapo Heinonen used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Mason Gillis (200-2000, college: Duke, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Honka maintains third position with 6-2 record behind leader Kipina. KTP-Basket at the other side still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with Kipina. Honka are looking forward to face Seagulls (#5) in Helsinki in the next round. KTP-Basket will play on the road against the league's leader Kipina (#1) in Aanekoski and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Helsinki. Sixth ranked Seagulls (4-4) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Pyrinto (4-4) 94-92 in the fight for the fifth place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pyrinto. The winners were led by American forward Rene Rougeau (198-1986, college: UNLV, agency: Blacktop Management) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and Keonte Kennedy supported him with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Even 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists by point guard Valtteri Mervola (185-2002, agency: Blacktop Management) did not help to save the game for Pyrinto. Pyrinto's coach Tero Hassinen rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Seagulls moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Pyrinto. Seagulls will play against bottom-ranked Kouvot (#12) in Kouvola in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pyrinto will play at home against Kouvot (#12) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Kouvot managed to get a second victory, breaking the two-game losing streak on Friday night. This time they won against tenth-ranked Korihait in Kouvola 105-100. The best player for the winners was Masai Troutman who scored 21 points and 7 assists. Devin Tillis produced 22 points and 5 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kouvot (2-6) moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Korihait and Bisons. Kouvot will meet higher ranked Seagulls (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Korihait will play against Karhubasket (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: Vilpas destroyed Lahti on the opponent's court 80-52. Bisons was outscored by Kipina in a home game 73-96. Karhubasket was rolled over Kataja on the road 101-80. Seagulls defeated Vilpas on its own court 86-79. Kipina beat Lahti in Aanekoski 90-78.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 20 points and 13 rebounds by Hannes Polla of Kipina.



Seagulls - Pyrinto 94-92:
Important game to mention about took place in Helsinki. Sixth ranked Seagulls (4-4) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Pyrinto (4-4) 94-92 in the fight for the fifth place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Pyrinto. Seagulls players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Pyrinto was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by American forward Rene Rougeau (198-1986, college: UNLV, agency: Blacktop Management) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and the other American import guard Keonte Kennedy (196-2000, college: California) supported him with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Even 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists by point guard Valtteri Mervola (185-2002, agency: Blacktop Management) did not help to save the game for Pyrinto. American forward Jamal West Jr (198-2001, college: UTEP) added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Pyrinto's coach Tero Hassinen rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Seagulls moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Pyrinto. Seagulls will play against bottom-ranked Kouvot (#12) in Kouvola in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pyrinto will play at home against Kouvot (#12) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Pyrinto: S.Hopkins 18+2reb+1ast, V.Mervola 14+5reb+8ast, M.Erik 14+4reb+3ast, J.Mason 12+5reb+5ast, J.West Jr. 11+10reb+3ast, D.Posey 7+5reb
Seagulls: K.Keonte 22+7reb+1ast, W.Tyrese 15+1reb+3ast, N.Lassi 15+1reb+12ast, R.Remu 15+6reb+2ast, R.Rene 14+10reb+6ast, I.Victor 8+7reb

Kouvot - Korihait 105-100:
Bottom-ranked Kouvot managed to get a second victory, breaking the two-game losing streak on Friday night. This time they won against tenth-ranked Korihait in Kouvola 105-100. Kouvot made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game, while Korihait only scored five points from the stripe. Kouvot looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Masai Troutman (196-2002, college: GMU) who scored 21 points and 7 assists. The other American import forward Sheldon Williams (203-2004, college: TAMUCC) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Devin Tillis (201-2001, college: Virginia) produced 22 points and 5 assists and Bosnian point guard Bojan Sarcevic (190-1988) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kouvot (2-6) moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Korihait and Bisons. Kouvot will meet higher ranked Seagulls (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Korihait will play against Karhubasket (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Korihait: D.Tillis 22+4reb+5ast, T.Niemi 19+1reb+2ast, J.Jackson 17+3reb+4ast, R.Lindberg 15+3reb+1ast, B.Sarcevic 15+6reb+8ast, T.Murr 6+2reb+2ast
Kouvot: J.Aaron 21+5reb+1ast, T.Masai 21+3reb+7ast, W.Sheldon 20+6reb+3ast, K.Aarni 17+7reb+2ast, T.Christian 13+4reb+7ast, K.Teemu 5+1reb

KTP-Basket - Honka 105-119:
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of KTP-Basket (7-1) in Kotka on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Honka (6-2) 119-105. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of KTP-Basket. Honka dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to KTP-Basket's 38. Honka looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Alvar Peltoniemi (197-2001, college: Fresno Pacific) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 6 rebounds and American guard AJ Ferguson (201-2003, college: Murray St.) who added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) during the contest. Honka's coach Aapo Heinonen used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Mason Gillis (200-2000, college: Duke, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and his fellow American import point guard AJ White (178-2001, college: N.Georgia) scored 25 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Honka maintains third position with 6-2 record behind leader Kipina. KTP-Basket at the other side still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with Kipina. Honka are looking forward to face Seagulls (#5) in Helsinki in the next round. KTP-Basket will play on the road against the league's leader Kipina (#1) in Aanekoski and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
KTP-Basket: A.White 25+4reb+3ast, J.Tuomala 21+2reb, M.Gillis 17+8reb+7ast, D.Dolenc 16+3reb+1ast, J.Mantynen 14+8reb+7ast, Z.Styles 12+5reb+1ast
Honka: A.Peltoniemi 22+6reb+2ast, F.Trevon 17+3reb+2ast, F.AJ 15+9reb+5ast, W.Terrance 15+9reb, T.Iiro 14+3reb, L.Kallio 11+3reb+11ast

Lahti - Vilpas 52-80:
Rather expected game when 7th ranked Lahti (3-5) was crushed at home by fourth ranked Vilpas (5-3) 80-52 on Friday. Vilpas made 25-of-27 free shots (92.6 percent) during the game, while Lahti only scored nine points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Mikael Aalto (208-1994, agency: Blacktop Management) who scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Karl Chavis (198-2001, college: Young Harris, agency: Players Group) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Four Vilpas players scored in double figures. Swingman Vili Nyman (198-1998, agency: Blacktop Management) produced 9 points and 9 rebounds and American guard Jackson Threadgill (198-2001, college: App State) added 7 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vilpas have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 5-3 record. Lahti lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Kataja and Karhubasket. Vilpas will meet at home Kataja (#7) in the next round. Lahti will play against Bisons in Loimaa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lahti: E.Luukkonen 9+3reb+1ast, D.Williams 9+4reb+3ast, V.Nyman 9+9reb+2ast, J.Threadgill 7+8reb+5ast, P.Kalle 5, J.Kaivos 4
Vilpas: G.Jarred 15+2reb+2ast, A.Mikael 13+8reb+1ast, W.Leland 13+2reb+3ast, L.Riku 12+2reb, C.Karl 10+10reb+2ast, J.D.J. 9+8reb+2ast

Bisons - Kipina 73-96:
Very predictable result in Loimaa where second ranked Kipina (7-1) smashed 10th ranked Bisons (2-6) 96-73 on Saturday. Kipina outrebounded Bisons 39-27 including 30 on the defensive glass. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Tristan Smith (196-2003, college: UNI) who scored 20 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Derrin Boyd (190-2000, college: Charleston, agency: One Motive Sports) chipped in 18 points and 5 assists. Four Kipina players scored in double figures. Guard Roydell Brown (198-1998, college: McNeese St.) produced 21 points and 5 rebounds and guard Tehree Horn (193-2001, college: USC Aiken, agency: One Motive Sports) added 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Bisons' coach Michael Pounds gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kipina have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with KTP-Basket. Loser Bisons keeps the tenth place with six games lost. They share the position with Kouvot and Korihait. Kipina will meet at home league's second-placed KTP-Basket in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bisons will play against Lahti (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bisons: R.Brown 21+5reb+2ast, T.Horn 16+5reb+5ast, V.Tahvanainen 10+2reb+3ast, A.Alanen 9+5reb+2ast, J.Ogunyemi 4+7reb+2ast, F.Aidoo 4+1ast
Kipina: S.Tristan 20+8reb+2ast, B.Derrin 18+4reb+5ast, M.Jalen 17+3reb+2ast, P.Hannes 10+12reb, K.Topias 9+4reb+4ast, R.Daniel 8+1ast

Kataja - Karhubasket 101-80:
There was a minor upset in Joensuu where 6th ranked Karhubasket (3-5) was rolled over by ninth ranked Kataja (3-5) 101-80 on Saturday. Kataja dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Karhubasket's 30. Kataja looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Josiah Harris (206, college: La Salle) who scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import guard Stevie Strong (185-2003, college: S.Nazarene) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Five Kataja players scored in double figures. Swingman Erik Sajantila (195-2001, agency: Blacktop Management) produced 18 points and American forward Chandler Cuthrell (203, college: Elon) added 17 points respectively for the guests. Karhubasket's coach Konsta Mastomaki gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kataja moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Karhubasket and Lahti. Kataja will meet higher ranked Vilpas (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Karhubasket will play against Korihait in Uusikaupunki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Karhubasket: E.Sajantila 18+1reb+2ast, C.Cuthrell 17+2reb+1ast, A.Kivimaki 10+7ast, J.Bellamy 7+8reb, M.Anthony 6+7reb+1ast, K.Tevaun 5+1reb+4ast
Kataja: H.Josiah 21+8reb+1ast, P.Topias 17+3reb, S.Teemu 15+4reb+5ast, S.Richie 15+6reb, S.Stevie 14+5reb+10ast, B.Jeremiah 11+5reb+2ast

Seagulls - Vilpas 86-79:
There was a small surprise in Helsinki where sixth ranked Seagulls (4-4) beat one of their biggest challengers Vilpas (5-3) 86-79 on Tuesday. Seagulls dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Vilpas' 30. The best player for the winners was American forward Rene Rougeau (198-1986, college: UNLV, agency: Blacktop Management) who scored 16 points and 4 assists. ex-international point guard Lassi Nikkarinen (188-1997, college: Montana St.) chipped in 17 points and 5 assists. American guard Leland Walker (185-2003, college: Wyoming) produced 24 points and 8 assists and ex-international power forward Mikael Aalto (208-1994, agency: Blacktop Management) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Vilpas' coach Jussi Savolainen tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Seagulls moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Pyrinto. Defending champion Vilpas keeps the fourth position with three games lost. Seagulls will meet at home bottom-ranked Kouvot (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Vilpas will play against Kataja (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Vilpas: L.Walker 24+2reb+8ast, M.Aalto 17+6reb+2ast, D.Jeffries 15+6reb, J.Godfrey 13+2reb+5ast, S.Lindberg 3+6reb+1ast, R.Laine 3+1reb
Seagulls: N.Lassi 17+1reb+5ast, R.Rene 16+4reb+4ast, K.Keonte 15+6reb+1ast, W.Tyrese 11+4reb+4ast, R.Remu 11+4reb+1ast, W.Ricky 8+5reb+1ast

Lahti - Kipina 78-90:
There was no surprise when 7th ranked Lahti (3-5) was defeated at home by second ranked Kipina (7-1) 90-78 on Tuesday. Kipina dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Lahti's 42. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kipina made 9 blocks. The best player for the winners was the former international center Hannes Polla (211-1998, college: UT Martin) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. American forward Tristan Smith (196-2003, college: UNI) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. American guard DMaurian Williams (190-2001, college: High Point) produced 20 points and swingman Vili Nyman (198-1998, agency: Blacktop Management) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five Kipina and four Lahti players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Kipina have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with KTP-Basket. Lahti lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Kataja and Karhubasket. Kipina will meet at home league's second-placed KTP-Basket in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Lahti will play against Bisons (#10) in Loimaa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lahti: D.Williams 20+4reb+3ast, R.Korhonen 16+3reb+1ast, J.Threadgill 14+4reb+1ast, V.Nyman 14+8reb+2ast, E.Luukkonen 6+3reb+3ast, Y.Tino 3+1reb
Kipina: P.Hannes 20+13reb, M.Jalen 17+4reb+2ast, B.Derrin 13+5reb+1ast, K.Topias 12+5reb+3ast, S.Tristan 11+10reb+3ast, H.Jake 6+1reb+2ast