It was one of those afternoon where every pass, every return, every foul meant something. An afternoon where the heart beat a little harder and every Swedish player carried the importance of a whole country’s basketball dream on his shoulders. And they delivered. Sweden won by 78-59 against the UK in a match that was absolutely crucial for both teams. Now the hope of playoffs in Riga lives on – and that with a message.
From the first vocation it felt: we were there to win. The defense game was disciplined, the returning strong and the attack game methodically. We forced the fouls, ran the floor and put pressure. Ludde Håkansson took responsibility directly with seven points, Pelle Larsson was clinical from the line, and Simon Birgander tore down returns as if it were life. 19-13 after the first – and it felt stable. We were relaxed, despite the seriousness.
And that was exactly what coach Riipinen lifted after the match:
-I’m really proud of how we got out in the match, how we prepared even though it was back-to-back. We made our mark early and it was important to me.
In the second period, it was small. Barra Njie put a third, Melwin Pantzar followed up with one more. We handled Britain’s full -level press as if it were training. Timeout from them. We led by 14. It was there and when we started to believe in real.
But it wasn’t just the point – it was the energy. Barra was 100% from the floor, Melwin was everywhere: steals, returns, points. Half time: 35-30. We had control. The defense was the key – just letting in 30 points in a half is class.
The third period became Viktor Gaddefors and Pelle Larsson’s show. Gaddefors came out as a steam roller, attacked the basket, thumped, took returns. Pelle? He got started. Treor, layups, penalty. 10 points in the third. We pulled away to 61–47.
Coach Riipinen commented on Pelle’s efforts, especially considering he came back after illness:
– Pelle’s second half was really good, although first was not as sharp. But what I like most is the team – that we play as we usually and put the players in the right positions. It helped a lot that he and Simon felt better today.
Directly at the beginning of the fourth, the judges changed a foul decision to unsportsmanlike – Ludde put two throws, we got the ball again. Then it came: Alley-Oop from Ludde to Pelle. Boom. The biggest leadership of the match. Adam Ramstedt played Gaddefors, Simon Birgander thumped two points after a quick play. Everything sat. Everything clicked.
We saw a team that didn’t just want to win – they knew they could. It was confidence, it was pride, it was Swedish basketball at its best.
🎙️ Voices from the press conference – pride and gratitude
When the question came about the next match against Montenegro, Riipinen replied with a calm that permeated the whole team:
– Right now I’m just enjoying the moment. We have a good coach team that has already prepared for Montenegro, but right now I am just grateful – for our Swedish fans and even the Finnish who came and supported us. It means a lot.
Melwin filled in with a smile:
– I’m tired. But tomorrow we are locked again, ready for the next match.
And when he was asked about all Swedish fans in the arena:
– It makes me happy. It means a lot to see all the yellow sweaters out there.
📊 Statistics with heart
- Larsson leather: 23 points – hot as lava, decided the match in the third and fourth.
- Melwin Pantzar: 12 points (75% from three), 8 returns, 4 steals – everywhere.
- Simon Birgander: 8 points, 7 returns, 4 blocks, 6 assists – a giant.
- Drive Water: 9 points – 100% in the first half, energy bundle.
- Viktor Gaddefors: 8 points, 5 returns – set the tone after the break.
- Denzel Andersson: 5 returns, 1 steal, 1 block – silent but important.
🏀 Now Montenegro is waiting – can we peel again?
We’ve done it before. Hove this spring. Now we reload. The defense game is there. The offensive is glowing. And the dream of Riga? It lives. We live.
A big thank you to all the Swedes who were in the arena, the 6th player clearly! See you on Monday again.
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