1st Division Round 4: Leader HNMKY lose to HBA-Marsky

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in 1st Division, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, extra overtimes, derby games, favorites losing the games and even winless team recording their first victory. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated HNMKY (3-1) in Helsinki on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by HBA-Marsky (4-0) 88-70. It was a key game for the top position in Division. HNMKY was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. HBA-Marsky forced 22 HNMKY turnovers. Perttu Blomgren (193-1) fired 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward Thomas Exaucia (194-1) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. point guard Sakari Laakso (194-97) produced 13 points for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. HBA-Marsky maintains first position in Division with 4-0 record. HNMKY at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. HBA-Marsky will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. HNMKY will play at home against Jyvaskyla BA and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Another exciting game was played in Aanekoski between top-ranked PeU-Basket and their biggest opponent Huima where PeU-Basket (4-0) beat Huima (3-1) on the road 78-68. It was a key game for the top position in Division. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Trenton Thompson (198-96, college: Asbury) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds. Leevi-Matias Taimela contributed with 21 points for the winners. American power forward Trenton Clayton (206-96, college: Pittsburg St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds for Huima. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. PeU-Basket keeps a position of Division leader. Huima at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. PeU-Basket will play against Westside ET (#9) in Espoo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Huima will play on the road against Karkkila (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Jyvaskyla BA can celebrate their first win this season after three consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Jarvenpaa, where they defeated Raiders Basket (1-3) 83-67 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Jaakko Lammi who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side Justin Taylor responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 16 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Jyvaskyla BA left bottom position moving up to ninth place in Division. Jyvaskyla BA will meet higher ranked HNMKY (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Raiders Basket will play against LoKoKo Bisons (#7) in Loimaa and hope to win that game.
Top-ranked Tapiolan Honka blasted bottom-ranked Ura Basket II (0-4) in Tapiolan 106-70 keeping the perfect record after 4 rounds. Ura Basket II is still unable to win any game. The winners were led by Nicolas Meyer who scored that evening 22 points and 5 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tapiolan Honka (4-0) moved-up to second place in Division. Ura Basket II at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Tapiolan Honka's next round opponent will be HyPo (#6) in Hyvinkaa. Ura Basket II will play on the road against Namika Lr (#10) in Lappeenranta and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Bottom-ranked Pyrinto Ak.B (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 90-82 overtime loss to seventh ranked Karkkila (2-2) in Tampere on Sunday evening. Caleb Richey fired 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Pyrinto Ak.B's coach Artem Khvorost rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Karkkila maintains seventh position in Division with 2-2 record. Newly promoted Pyrinto Ak.B still closes the standings with four games lost. Karkkila will face higher ranked Huima (#3) in Aanekoski in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Pyrinto Ak.B will play on the road against JyWe (#8) in Jyvaskyla and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

Rest of the games of round 4 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
In Division LoKoKo Bisons was defeated by Pyrinto Ak.A in Tampere 81-69. Korikouvot beat ToPo Juniorit at home 80-72. Oulun NMKY won against Kristika Turku on the opponent's court 85-81. Raholan Pyrkiva managed to outperform HyPo in a home game 97-89. Winless Namika Lr recorded a loss to JyWe on the road 68-61. Westside ET was defeated by PuHu Juniorit on its own court 67-82.

Group DIV A

Pyrinto Ak.A - LoKoKo Bisons 81-69

There was a minor upset in Tampere where higher ranked LoKoKo Bisons (2-2) was defeated by ninth ranked Pyrinto Ak.A (2-2) 81-69 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Pyrinto Ak.A. LoKoKo Bisons was better in third quarter 21-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. LoKoKo Bisons was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Forward Matti Meldo (190-96) fired 19 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Guard Toni Savino (182-92) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Ville Karvonen (198-96) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Joshua Wilchombe (203, college: OKWU) added 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks respectively for lost side. Four LoKoKo Bisons players scored in double figures. Pyrinto Ak.A moved-up to fifth place in Division. Pyrinto Ak.A will face ToPo Juniorit (#8) in Helsinki in the next round. LoKoKo Bisons will play at home against Raiders Basket and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
LoKoKo Bisons: R.Marttinen 19+3reb+1ast, E.Salonen 13+4reb+3ast, V.Karvonen 12+14reb+4ast, J.Wilchombe 12+11reb+2ast, M.Lammela 7+1reb, J.Henttonen 3+3reb
Pyrinto Ak.A: M.Meldo 19+9reb+2ast, J.Saarinen 15+3reb, T.Savino 13+5reb+1ast, T.Luojus 9+1reb, E.Harju 9+4reb, K.Rasinaho 7+2reb

HBA-Marsky - HNMKY 88-70

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated HNMKY (3-1) in Helsinki on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by HBA-Marsky (4-0) 88-70. It was a key game for the top position in Division. HNMKY was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. HBA-Marsky forced 22 HNMKY turnovers. Perttu Blomgren (193-1) fired 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward Thomas Exaucia (194-1) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Five HBA-Marsky players scored in double figures. Point guard Sakari Laakso (194-97) produced 13 points and Cameroonian forward Arsene Towa (191-81) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. HBA-Marsky maintains first position in Division with 4-0 record. HNMKY at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. HBA-Marsky will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. HNMKY will play at home against Jyvaskyla BA and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
HNMKY: E.Waxlax 13+1reb+1ast, A.Towa 13+6reb, S.Laakso 13+4reb+3ast, B.Max 8+6reb+1ast, D.Lindner 6+2reb, A.Pietilainen 5+3reb
HBA-Marsky: P.Blomgren 13+5reb+2ast, T.Exaucia 13+5reb+1ast, J.Granlund 13+1reb+2ast, E.Sajantila 12+4reb+3ast, M.Amzil 10+3reb+2ast, A.Syrjamaki 7+3reb

Korikouvot - ToPo Juniorit 80-72

No shocking result in a game in Kouvola where top-ranked Korikouvot (4-0) defeated 7th ranked ToPo Juniorit (1-3) 80-72 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 80-72. Korikouvot made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. Korikouvot outrebounded ToPo Juniorit 39-26 including 16 on the offensive glass. Swingman Vili Nyman (198-98) fired a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. American forward James Suber (201-95, college: CSU Bakersfield) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Alvar Michelsen (197-0) produced 20 points and swingman Juuso Kauppinen (188-94) added 17 points respectively for lost side. Five Korikouvot and four ToPo Juniorit players scored in double figures. ToPo Juniorit's coach Eero Nikkarinen rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Korikouvot maintains second position in Division with 4-0 record despite having the same number of points like the leader HBA-Marsky. Loser ToPo Juniorit dropped to the eighth place with three games lost. Korikouvot will face FoKoPo (#12) in Forssa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. ToPo Juniorit will play at home against Pyrinto Ak.A (#5) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
ToPo Juniorit: A.Michelsen 20+4reb+1ast, J.Kauppinen 17+3reb, S.Makkonen 12+2reb+1ast, M.Kuusisto 11+8ast, A.Hartikainen 6+6reb+1ast, T.Ebeling 4+7reb
Korikouvot: T.Lommi 20+4reb, J.Suber 14+11reb+3ast, H.Permanto 13+6reb+3ast, S.Lehtonen 12+1reb+1ast, V.Nyman 10+10reb+9ast, K.Kalle 6+2reb

Kristika Turku - Oulun NMKY 81-85

Everything could happen in Turun at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked Oulun NMKY and 10th ranked Kristika Turku had identical 1-2 record. But Kristika Turku was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Oulun 85-81 on Sunday night. Kristika Turku was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Kristika Turku was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Anthony Townes (198-95, college: Pacific) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points and 20 rebounds for the winners. The other American import point guard Dedrick Basile (178-94, college: CSU Bakersfield) chipped in 26 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals (made all of his eight free throws). Power forward Mikael Aalto (205-94) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds and French forward Manuel Barnes (200-92, college: Baker) added 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists respectively for lost side. Oulun NMKY (2-2) moved-up to sixth place in Division. Loser Kristika Turku dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. Oulun NMKY will face higher ranked MuKi (#4) in Helsinki in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Kristika Turku: M.Aalto 25+14reb+3ast, M.Barnes 20+12reb+10ast, S.Latvala 10+5reb+7ast, M.Suomi 8+4reb+2ast, T.Lauri 8+4reb+4ast, D.Hazrati 6+1reb+1ast
Oulun NMKY: A.Townes 26+20reb+2ast, D.Basile 26+8reb+8ast, D.Harris 26+7reb+1ast, T.Soininen 6+3reb+1ast, V.Hautala 1+4reb, D.Holmes Jr 0+1ast

Raiders Basket - Jyvaskyla BA 67-83

Jyvaskyla BA can celebrate their first win this season after three consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Jarvenpaa, where they defeated Raiders Basket (1-3) 83-67 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Jyvaskyla BA. Raiders Basket managed to win fourth quarter 15-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Raiders Basket 46-34 including 17 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of center Jaakko Lammi (200-99) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds and guard Chrysostom Chukwuma (190-96) who added 15 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American swingman Justin Taylor (198-96, college: Sioux Falls, agency: One Motive Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 16 rebounds and forward Semi Saari (190-98) scored 16 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Jyvaskyla BA left bottom position moving up to ninth place in Division. Jyvaskyla BA will meet higher ranked HNMKY (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Raiders Basket will play against LoKoKo Bisons (#7) in Loimaa and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Raiders Basket: J.Taylor 25+16reb+1ast, S.Saari 16+1reb, O.Laakkonen 8+2reb+1ast, J.Jokio 7+6reb+1ast, B.Osayande 3+5reb+1ast, V.Auvinen 3
Jyvaskyla BA: C.Chukwuma 15+5reb, S.Oja 13+3reb+1ast, J.Lammi 12+12reb+3ast, T.Puittinen 10+2reb, A.Liukko 9+3reb, K.Peltonen 8+9reb+2ast

Group DIV B

Raholan Pyrkiva - HyPo 97-89

There was a small surprise in Tampere where sixth ranked Raholan Pyrkiva (3-1) beat 4th ranked HyPo (3-2) 97-89 on Wednesday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But HyPo won third quarter 23-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Raholan Pyrkiva looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Bulgarian guard Angel Mavrodiev (183-91) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Russian guard Artem Shchepkin (189-86) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Shchepkin is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Raholan Pyrkiva's coach Juho Jaakkola used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Power forward Toni Honka (193-84) produced 27 points and 9 rebounds and guard Kevin Straih (188-95, college: Finlandia) added 18 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Raholan Pyrkiva and four HyPo players scored in double figures. Raholan Pyrkiva moved-up to fourth place in Division. Loser HyPo dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. Raholan Pyrkiva will face PuHu Juniorit (#5) in Vantaa in the next round. HyPo will play at home against the league's second-placed Tapiolan Honka and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
HyPo: T.Honka 27+9reb+2ast, K.Straih 18+6reb+2ast, E.Saurus 12+4reb+1ast, B.Grepi 11+3reb+4ast, P.Puustinen 7+8reb+3ast, N.Juntunen 7+5reb+3ast
Raholan Pyrkiva: A.Mavrodiev 17+11reb+2ast, I.Keski-Saari 13+2reb+3ast, J.Sarja 12+4reb+3ast, A.Shchepkin 12+5reb+4ast, K.Eino 11+4reb+1ast, J.Niemi 11+1reb+3ast

Tapiolan Honka - Ura Basket II 106-70

Top-ranked Tapiolan Honka blasted bottom-ranked Ura Basket II (0-4) in Tapiolan 106-70 keeping the perfect record after 4 rounds. Ura Basket II is still unable to win any game. The game without a history. Tapiolan Honka led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Ura Basket II's 36. Tapiolan Honka forced 24 Ura Basket II turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 31 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Ura Basket II's players. The winners were led by German swingman Nicolas Meyer (195-88) who scored that evening 22 points and 5 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and guard Jouko Jarvinen (192-87) supported him with 8 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 19 points and 6 rebounds by point guard Edvard Gullichsen (183-2) did not help to save the game for Ura Basket II. Guard Lauri Hanninen (187-2) added 23 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tapiolan Honka (4-0) moved-up to second place in Division. Ura Basket II at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Tapiolan Honka's next round opponent will be HyPo (#6) in Hyvinkaa. Ura Basket II will play on the road against Namika Lr (#10) in Lappeenranta and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Ura Basket II: H.Lauri 23+3reb+2ast, G.Edvard 19+6reb+3ast, T.Ritanotko 10+9reb+1ast, J.Jon 5+1reb+1ast, K.Miika 5+7reb, M.Samppa 3+2ast
Tapiolan Honka: N.Meyer 22+4reb+5ast, T.Halme 19+1reb, L.Sebastian 16+4reb+3ast, R.Matias 12+2reb, T.Lemmetyinen 9+4reb+5ast, R.Roslund 8+6reb+3ast

Pyrinto Ak.B - Karkkila 82-90 OT

Bottom-ranked Pyrinto Ak.B (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 90-82 overtime loss to seventh ranked Karkkila (2-2) in Tampere on Sunday evening. The guests trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 23-17 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 8-point victory in overtime. Karkkila forced 19 Pyrinto Ak.B turnovers. Pyrinto Ak.B was plagued by 31 personal fouls down the stretch. American point guard Caleb Richey (178-95, college: Cal Lutheran) fired 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Guard Elmeri Kivimaki (191-99) chipped in 9 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Aatu Pollanen (194-0) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds and Valtteri Taussi (189-1) added 18 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Pyrinto Ak.B's coach Artem Khvorost rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Karkkila maintains seventh position in Division with 2-2 record. Newly promoted Pyrinto Ak.B still closes the standings with four games lost. Karkkila will face higher ranked Huima (#3) in Aanekoski in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Pyrinto Ak.B will play on the road against JyWe (#8) in Jyvaskyla and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Pyrinto Ak.B: T.Valtteri 18+1reb+3ast, V.Ville 15+1reb, L.Mirko 13+3reb+2ast, A.Pollanen 10+11reb+2ast, E.Harju 9+4reb+5ast, A.Roni 6+1reb
Karkkila: C.Richey 24+8reb+8ast, E.Laaksonen 17+3reb, R.Sampo 11+4reb, M.Nyman 10+2reb+1ast, M.Salmela 10+3reb, E.Kivimaki 9+11reb+1ast

JyWe - Namika Lr 68-61

The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Namika Lr's (0-4) road loss to ninth ranked JyWe (2-3) 61-68 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 1 point after three quarters before their 19-11 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Guard Veeti Amegbedzi (190-99) fired 12 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Pyry Kantomaa (190-99) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Four JyWe players scored in double figures. Center Elmeri Porvari (206-96) produced 7 points, 21 rebounds and 4 blocks and forward Gleb Sokolov (193-99) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. JyWe moved-up to eighth place in Division. Newly promoted Namika Lr still closes the standings with four games lost. JyWe will face Pyrinto Ak.B (#11) in Tampere in the next round. Namika Lr will play at home against Ura Basket II and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Namika Lr: G.Sokolov 16+5reb, J.Moilanen 13+5reb, A.Conerly 11+5reb+2ast, P.Elmeri 7+21reb, K.Kinnunen 7+4reb, A.Valtonen 3
JyWe: H.Boyd 15+1reb+3ast, K.Aku-Petteri 14+3reb+1ast, V.Amegbedzi 12+6reb+3ast, K.Pyry 10+11reb, N.Wille 9+8reb+1ast, K.Naukkarinen 6+5reb+1ast

Westside ET - PuHu Juniorit 67-82

Everything went according to plan in Espoo where sixth ranked PuHu Juniorit (3-1) won against 8th ranked Westside ET (1-3) 82-67 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by PuHu Juniorit. Westside ET was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Westside ET 51-34 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. American point guard Trey Hall (190-95, college: Cameron) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Swingman Samatar Abokar (190-1) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. Swingman Daniel Siirama (194-99) produced 21 points and 5 steals and guard Sami Marouf (188-88) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. PuHu Juniorit moved-up to fifth place in Division. Loser Westside ET dropped to the ninth position with three games lost. PuHu Juniorit will face higher ranked Raholan Pyrkiva (#4) in Tampere in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Westside ET will play on the road against the league's leader PeU-Basket (#1) in Pernio and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Westside ET: S.Daniel 21+4reb+3ast, S.Marouf 18+5reb+2ast, A.Laukkanen 8+9reb+3ast, M.Kataja 7+1ast, F.Leo 6+1reb+2ast, J.Pehkonen 5+5reb+1ast
PuHu Juniorit: T.Hall 20+14reb+6ast, S.Abokar 16+12reb+3ast, N.Ahola 12+4reb+3ast, I.Kerminen 9+4reb+3ast, S.Max 6+1reb+1ast, M.Yonis 5+4reb

Huima - PeU-Basket 68-78

Another exciting game was played in Aanekoski between top-ranked PeU-Basket and their biggest opponent Huima where PeU-Basket (4-0) beat Huima (3-1) on the road 78-68. It was a key game for the top position in Division. The game was mostly controlled by PeU-Basket. Huima was better in fourth quarter 19-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Huima was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Trenton Thompson (198-96, college: Asbury) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds. Guard Leevi-Matias Taimela (192-2) contributed with 21 points for the winners. American power forward Trenton Clayton (206-96, college: Pittsburg St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds and guard Kalle Koivunen (187-2) added 21 points in the effort for Huima. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. PeU-Basket keeps a position of Division leader. Huima at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. PeU-Basket will play against Westside ET (#9) in Espoo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Huima will play on the road against Karkkila (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Huima: K.Kalle 21+2reb+1ast, T.Clayton 14+16reb, J.Veeti 9+3reb, M.Santa 8+6reb+3ast, J.Ohtonen 6+4reb, O.Jamsen 4+2reb+1ast
PeU-Basket: T.Thompson 36+12reb, T.Leevi-Matias 21+2reb+3ast, S.Himberg 6+6reb+1ast, J.Savolainen 6+8reb+1ast, P.Poutiainen 3+8reb, R.Oskari 3