Sodertalje Kings take 3-0 lead in Swedish Finals

The Sodertalje Kings have won Game 3 of their Finals series against the Norrkoping Dolphins 68-73, and are now just one win away from capturing another Swedish Basketligan title. With this much momentum behind them, it isn’t far fetched that the Kings will be able to claim their fourth consecutive title. The Dolphins will get one last chance to avoid a clean sweep of the series on the 28th as they make their stand at home.

The home court advantage for the Dolphins gave their fans high hopes that they would be able to notch their first win of the series, but unfortunately things did not turn out that way and their guests from Sodertalje managed to snag a third win. Defense was the name of the game for both clubs in the early going, but it was the Kings who managed to squeeze out a 12-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second frame was a bit of a surprise for the hosts. Sodertalje’s shots from the outside started finding their mark. This allowed the defending champions a double-digit lead at halftime. Sensing a need for urgency, the Dolphins came out in the third period reinvigorated and ready to play more aggressive basketball. Their hustle paid off and culled their opponent’s lead down to three points heading into the fourth and final quarter of regulation. In the final frame, turnovers got the better of the Dolphins and the Sodertalje Kings held on for the win.

Sklyer Bowlin almost singlehandedly carried the Kings on his shoulders. He had a massive game with 30 points. When the Dolphins tried to pressure him, Bowlin simply got his points from the free-throw line (10-12). It was a two-man game of sorts. Toni Bizaca, who was responsible for some key runs for the Kings, ended the game with 22 points of his own.

Josh Hairston led the Dolphins with 16 points. Joakim Kjellbom added 13 points as well.

Will the Sodertalje Kings sweep the series or will the Norrkoping Dolphins live to fight another day?