World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers: Hungary outlast Finland in Szombathely

Hungary - Finland 89-82

Hungary outlasted Finland 89-82 in their World Cup 2027 European Qualifier, building an early cushion that proved decisive despite a late Finnish push. Hungary exploded out of the gate with a 31–17 first quarter and maintained control with a 29–22 second period to take a strong halftime lead. Finland responded after the break, tightening their defense and outscoring Hungary 22–15 in the third to cut into the deficit. The Finns continued to chip away with a 21–14 fourth quarter, but Hungary’s early offensive surge held firm, allowing them to secure a hard-fought seven-point victory.
Zoltan Perl (195-G-1995) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Nathan Reuvers (211-PF-1998, college: Wisconsin) notched 16. Sasu Salin (190-SG-1991) answered with 16 points in a loss, whilst Mikael Jantunen (204-PF-2000, college: Utah) and Edon Maxhuni (188-PG-1998, college: LBSU) had 13 apiece.