The up-and-coming team Tapiolan Honka was unable to score points from Lahti Basketball in the opening of the Korisliiga season. Karhubasket, one of the champions’ favourites, is on the other hand in Lapua.
Seven Tapiolan Honka, who returned to the men’s Korisliiga after a gap year, lost their return game in Espoo, when Lahti Basketball claimed a 76–71 victory in the opening round of the series.
Honka led for a long time in the first half, but Lahti stayed ahead throughout the second period, even though Honka got within three points in the last minute.
Michael Ertel scored 15 points for the winner and Carl Lindbom 18 for Honga.
Lapua In Ostrobothnia’s local game, the season started with quite a surprise, when the Kobras, who were in the lower promotion series last season, defeated the defending champion Kauhajoki Karhubasket 81–72.
The Cobras held the lead most of the time and entered the final quarter with a 13-point lead. Bearbasket quickly got within three points, but couldn’t get past.
“Apart from the start, this was an intact game from us. After the start, we were on the back foot thanks to a good defensive game,” said Kobrien’s coach Ville Turja.
Kaelin Jackson became the Kobri’s power man with 26 points. Severi Kaukiainen scored 16 points for Karhubasket.
Also In Salo, the league started with a surprise, when BC Nokia defeated the spring silver team Vilppa 72–65.
BC Nokia led by 13 points at halftime, but Vilpas turned the game around in the third period. The visitors came back ahead in the same period and kept their advantage.
Jonathan Stove encouraged BC Nokia by 28 points. Isaiah Crawley scored 20 points for Vilppaa.
Even in Kymenlaakso the basketball league season opened with a local game in Kouvola, where KTP-Basket claimed a 95–82 victory over Kouvoi.
Kouvot led most of the first half and was ahead for the last time late in the third period. After that, the Eagles dominated the game.
The men with 22 points became the power couple of the winners Brandon Tabb and the 213-centimeter who debuted in Susijeng last year and now in Korisliiga Mubashar Ali. From the hollows Austin Butler scored 19 points.
#Basketball #Tapiolans #Honka #returned #Korisliiga #loss #huge #surprise #Lapua
