McCoy's 34-point clinic powers Kipina past regular-season champions ACO to clinch I Divisioona A title

Jalen McCoy (196-G-2002, college: USC Aiken, agency: Origins Sports Group) was virtually unstoppable, scoring 34 points on 16-of-23 shooting as Kipina dominated ACO Basket 77-58 in Game 4 to clinch the 2025-26 I Divisioona A championship and complete a stunning upset of the regular-season leaders.
ACO had stormed through the regular season at 21-1, comfortably ahead of Kipina's 17-5 record in second place. But the playoffs told a different story. Kipina set the tone by stealing Game 1 on the road at ACO's home court, and after the series was squared at 1-1 following Game 2, Kipina took control with a Game 3 victory before McCoy's masterclass in the clincher ensured the title would head to Lappeenranta.
McCoy, the league's leading scorer at 24.9 points per game during the regular season, was at his devastating best in the decider. The American guard attacked the basket relentlessly, connecting on 15 of his 21 two-point attempts while adding seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals in a full 40 minutes. His partnership with playmaker Jake Hilmer (180-PG-2000, college: Upper Iowa) — the league's second-leading scorer at 23.2 PPG — again proved the difference. Hilmer finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists despite a tough 8-of-22 shooting night, orchestrating Kipina's offense and creating opportunities throughout.
Kipina pulled away early with a 25-12 first quarter that effectively took the sting out of ACO before halftime. Though both teams managed just 12 points apiece in a grinding second period, Kipina extended their advantage with 20-point third and fourth quarters to seal a comfortable 19-point victory.
For ACO, Tyler Harris (201-F-2001, college: Richmond) battled valiantly with 13 points and a game-high 14 rebounds — 13 on the defensive glass — but shot just 4-of-16 from the field as Kipina's defense swarmed him all night. Adong Makuoi (206-C-1999, college: Tennessee St., agency: One Motive Sports) was efficient off the bench with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Shawn Hopkins (195-F/G-1995, college: N.Georgia, agency: Blacktop Management) added 10 but connected on only 2 of his 14 field-goal attempts, including a dismal 1-of-11 from three-point range. ACO's perimeter shooting deserted them when it mattered most.
The title caps a remarkable playoff run for Kipina, who entered the postseason as underdogs despite their second-place regular-season finish but proved themselves the superior team when the stakes were highest.