HELSINKI (Finland) - Sweden stunned a vocal crowd at the Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki, overcoming Finland 86-81 to claim an important victory to start the Second Round.
Their fourth straight win lifts Sweden to 4-3 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, while Finland slipped to the same record after suffering their third defeat of the campaign.
Once again, Pelle Larsson was at the heart of Sweden’s success.
The guard delivered a superb all-around performance to finish with a majestic 31 points and 5 rebounds, helped by Simon Birgander's 17 points and 10 rebounds as Sweden secured a pivotal road victory.
They managed to hold Finland's star Lauri Markkanen to just 11 points on 2-of-13 shooting.
The result's significance was heightened by the atmosphere inside the Veikkaus Arena, which welcomed the ninth-largest crowd in FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers history with 12,401 in attendance.
That crowd celebrated as Finland appeared to take control late in the third quarter; opening a 56-49 advantage, thanks to a three-pointer from Olivier Nkamhoua.
Instead, Sweden, led by Larsson and Birgander produced the response that has defined their recent run.
With the game threatening to slip away, the visitors found their composure and began executing at both ends of the floor. They clawed their way back, regained the lead and, despite intense pressure from Finland in the closing stages, held on for a dramatic two-point triumph.
For Sweden, it was another statement victory and further evidence of their growing confidence, while Finland's defeat leaves plenty to work on. But the night ultimately belonged to the visitors, as their remarkable winning run in the face of First Round elimination continues.
FIBA