BC Lulea reclaims Swedish title

The Swedish Basketligan has a new champion after BC Lulea clinched the league title with a Game 5 finals series win over Sodertalje Kings. The crushing 89-65 win was important for several reasons. Firstly, it extends BC Lulea as the winningest team in Ligan history, with the club now holding seven titles.

However, the club has been on a barren stretch and this is a first title in a decade. It has also re-opened the door in Swedish hoops and snapped the dominance of Sodertalje Kings. The Kings last four titles and even claimed the last two finals series by dropping just a single game.

So, the reign of the Kings is over and BC Lulea is once again atop the Basketligan. The team did it in style, too. The first quarter was important as the hosts dropped 26 points and stopped the Kings at 12 points for a commanding lead. The defending champs reorganized in the second frame and edged it 22-23. Still, Lulea headed into the long break with a 48-35 lead.

A 24-17 run in the third act all but settled the game and made sure the momentum was with the hosts heading to the fourth. Lulea wrapped the game up to start the title celebrations.

Brandon Rozzell drained 27 points for the winners, while Yannick Anzuluni scored 24 points. Quintin Upshur managed 13 points.

Nicholas Spires paced the losing effort with 20 points.