Finland reach Second Round with pair of Belgium wins as Muurinen minutes managed

Miikka Muurinen scored three points across two matches
Miikka Muurinen scored three points across two matchesČTK / AP / Antti Aimo-Koivisto

Finland did their 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification chances no harm with back-to-back victories over Belgium that took them top of Group G and secured safe passage to the Second Round.

Finland have three wins from four and sit ahead of France on head-to-head record, registering three consecutive victories since beginning their campaign with a loss to Hungary.

The Wolfpack recorded a 71-66 away win in Charleroi on 27th February before beating Belgium again at home in Espoo, 78-75, on 1st March, which was enough to qualify for the next stage of European qualification with two matches to spare.

In the second game, the visitors threatened a late comeback with a pair of Vrenz Bleijenbergh three-pointers in the final minute. Finland tried to manage the closing stages with free throws from Mikael Jantunen and Edon Maxhuni, but still gave the Belgians the chance to take the game to overtime.

However, with three seconds to play, Bleijenbergh failed to make it a hat-trick of last-minute threes, and the Finns held on.

As with many teams across this international window, Finland were lacking their NBA talent for these matches, with the Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen not involved in the Belgium matches.

Teenage sensation Miikka Muurinen was in the side, but having struggled for court time in recent weeks at Partizan, he was restricted to just eight minutes in both matches.

One of the breakout stars at last summer's EuroBasket scored just one point in the away game and two at home, with his lack of form clearly evident.

Finland's head coach, Lassi Tuovi, took responsibility for the youngster's lack of impact: "We (coaches) need to look in the mirror. When you haven't played for a long time, you should try to keep it as simple as possible," he told the media after the home game.

However, Tuovi also took aim at the scheduling of the qualifiers: "On the other hand, there is the problem of the windows, when we cannot practice with these fives, when someone comes from the Euroleague game a little earlier.

"This sounds like an explanation, but Miika's strength was in the European Championships, when he always knew the five where he could play and shine."

Finland will complete their Group G campaign in July, when they host Hungary and travel to France as they aim to maintain their good form ahead of the Second Round of World Cup qualification.

Follow 2027 FIBA World Cup qualification on Flashscore.

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