VALENCIA (Spain) - Finland produced a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to claim a decisive 89-88 triumph over Poland.
The dramatic finale sees Finland advance to another all-European clash with a meeting with hosts Spain next on Saturday.
The turning point
For large parts of the game, it looked like Poland were on course for the last four. They led by nine at half-time, and stretched further ahead in the third to move as many as 15 ahead.
But Alex Madsen had other ideas: spurring Finland into life with 15 fourth quarter points - including a huge dunk followed by a trio of threes, before Edon Maxhuni's triple with 1:07 left fired them ahead for the first time since the opening score of the game.
Poland responded immediately, but who was on hand to put Finland back ahead? Madsen. Ice cool from the line, and his side would survive the tense final possession to cue jubilant scenes at the buzzer.
TCL Player of the Game
It had to be Madsen. Only 3 points heading into the fourth, and he stepped up in sensational fashion with an incredible final quarter effort. 15 points in the fourth to finish with 18 in total without a miss.
Mikael Jantunen certainly played his part, too, with a team-high 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the win.
Stats don't lie
Finland found their shooting touch when it mattered most, knocking down five of their eight three-point attempts in a clutch display. It was a tough finish for Poland, and without their 14 missed free throws, they could and probably should have been further ahead before Finland's rally.
Bottom line
It looked like being the end of the road for Finland, but they never gave in and found a way to respond in true character of the team. They will be thankful for tomorrow's rest day, and must come up with the energy to go up against Spain next.
Heartbreak for Poland, and this defeat may take some getting over. They only trailed for less than three minutes in the game, and a combined 41 points from Jeremy Sochan and AJ Slaughter was not enough to see them through.
They said
FIBA