2023 World Cup: Finland defeat Cape Verde for first win in Okinawa

Lauri Markkanen

Cape Verde - Finland 77-100

Finland opened their win count at the 2023 World Cup. They fired past Cape Verde at the start of the Classification Round in Okinawa today. Lauri Markkanen (216-F/C-1997, college: Arizona) stepped up with 34 points and 9 rebounds to pace the European team.
Finland set the tone early in the game. They erupted for 28 points in the first period to open a 12-point lead. Finland extended the advantage at 15-point mark at the big break 54-39. They maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. Lauri Markkanen and his teammates entered the fourth period up by as many as 21 points and cruised to the victory in the final minutes. Miro Little (193-G-2004) chipped in 10 points for the winners. Ivan Almeida (198-SF-1989, college: Stonehill) answered with 17 points, while Anderson Correia (195-SG-1997) added 15 points for Cape Verde.

Tags : LAURI MARKKANEN, WORLD CUP BASKETBALL, FINNISH NATIONAL TEAM