FIN - Finland grab historic win

ALYTUS (EuroBasket 2011) - Coming into EuroBasket as one of the biggest underdogs, Finland have demonstrated that they were written off too early.

Having shown admirable effort in their first two games against group favourites Greece and Croatia, the Finnish squad registered the first win by destroying Bosnia-Herzegovina by 28 points in a 92-64 triumph.

In fact, it was not only Finland's victory in the tournament, but also the first one since 1977, when they secured a 73-72 win against France. It took nearly 34 years to finally get a taste of success once again.

Finland last took part in EuroBasket in 1995, but lost all six of their games and a winless performance didn't leave anyone impressed. This just strengthens the importance of a big victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"This was our first win since 1977 and we won the game by almost 30 points. It's great for us, but we need to forget it," said one of Finland's key players Petteri Koponen before adding: "Maybe celebrate a little bit before that."

Despite coming short against Greece and Croatia, Finland have already managed to conquer the hearts of the fans in Alytus, as the locals were supporting the Scandinavian side just as much as the hundred or so Finns who made their way to Lithuania.

"The atmosphere was great tonight - just like playing a home game.  This is our first time in the European Championship in a very long period and I just want to thank the fans for coming and creating a great atmosphere," said the team's leader Koponen.

Finland's coach Henrik Dettmann also praised the Finnish fans and said that the fact that there is so many of them in Alytus just proves that basketball is also admired and loved in a country where ice hockey is the king of sports.

"This just comes to show that basketball has a place in the hearts of the Finns. It shows that when we have an opportunity to play with the best, we're able to do it and that we're also able to play interesting basketball," coach Dettmann smiled in the post game press-conference.

Achieving a huge victory after a long time is a big accomplishment for Finnish basketball, but the Finns will not be looking to stop just there.

"We've got two more games and we'll try to win them both," Koponen said frankly.

Finland had to make their way to the tournament through the extra qualifying round and, together with Portugal, have played more games than any other team in EuroBasket.

"I have to say it has felt like a very long season, but I hope that it doesn't end soon," coach Dettmann expressed his wish after the game.

FIBA