MANILA, Philippines — The Utah Jazz’s Laur Markkanen unleashed his best game in the FIBA World Cup as he powered Finland to a 100-77 rout of Cape Verde yesterday in Okinawa, Japan for a chance at its best finish in the quadrennial event.
It was the first win for the Finnish Wolf Pack after winding up winless in Group E in the first round.
And on this one, the reigning NBA Most Improved Player was the center of the storm as he unleashed 39 points laced with nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal.
If Finland beats Venezuela tomorrow, it will have an opportunity to improve on its 22nd-place performance in Spain nine years ago.
Mexico likewise claimed its first triumph in four starts following a 108-100 win over New Zealand at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
The Kiwis fell to 1-3.
Also barging into the win column was China, which downed Angola, 83-76, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kyle Anderson, using his Chinese name Li Kaier, had an all-around effort with 17 points, seven caroms, four dimes, a steal and a block to help the Chinese stay in the race for the Paris Games.