By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Miami Heat wing Pelle Larsson delivered a strong performance to lead Sweden past Finland in the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers, outshining Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen in a competitive Nordic matchup.
Larsson poured in a game-high 31 points alongside five rebounds to lift Sweden to an 86-81 victory on the road.
The Heat forward regularly attacked the rim, finishing 9-of-17 from the field and 11-of-14 from the free-throw line. He received solid support from Simon Birgander, who posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Bobi Klintman added 10 rebounds and five assists.
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In contrast, Markkanen faced a challenging evening against Sweden’s disciplined defense. The forward was held to 11 points on 2-of-13 shooting, missing all nine of his three-point attempts. Olivier Nkamhoua paced Finland with 19 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting, but the hosts’ 24% effort from long range hampered their comeback effort.
The victory moves Sweden level with Finland at 4-3 in Group L as both nations continue their push for a top-three finish to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar. Sweden next hosts France on August 30, while Finland travels to face Estonia on the same day.
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