EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Finland came through at the finish to edge out Poland 81-79 and make it two wins out of two in their EuroBasket qualifying campaign.

Michal Ignerski's efforts were not enough in the end for the home team

In keeping with a game that stayed close throughout, the scores were tied up 75-75 when Marcin Gortat split his free throws with 2:32 left in the encounter.

The tension in the game shone through as both teams committed turnovers but Mikko Koivisto then nailed a three to give Finland a big advantage 71 seconds from time.

Dardan Berisha's lay-up made it a one-point game again with 50 ticks left, but Finland did a great job in taking time off the clock before Gerald Lee dunked from Tuukka Kotti's assist.

Lukasz Koszarek missed a three for Poland but they got the rebound and Koszarek drew the foul to go to the line and make it a one-point game, 80-79, once more with six seconds left.

They got a quick foul to send Petteri Koponen to the line where he could only split his free throws, but Berisha missed a last-gasp chance to tie it as Finland escaped.

Koponen led Finland with 26 points while Shawn Huff had 15 and Lee 13. Hanno Mottola also reached double figures with 11.

Michal Ignerski led Poland with 22 points while Berisha had 16 and Gortat 13.