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Kerr Kriisa, Estonia fall short to Lauri Markkanen led Finland

By Eric Townsend

TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Guard Kerr Kriisa #25 of the Arizona Wildcats cheers from the bench during the game against the Oregon State Beavers at McKale Center on February 17, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats won 83-69 against the Oregon State Beavers. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Guard Kerr Kriisa #25 of the Arizona Wildcats cheers from the bench during the game against the Oregon State Beavers at McKale Center on February 17, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats won 83-69 against the Oregon State Beavers. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) /
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Taking part in the FIBA 2023 World Cup qualifying games, Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa came up short in his matchup against Lauri Markkanen and Finland.

It has been a big summer for Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa. After playing a key role for the Wildcats this past season, the Estonian native traveled back to Europe this summer to play for Estonia in the FIBA 2023 World Cup qualifying games.

Joining fellow teammate Pelle Larsson who just played for Sweden roughly a month ago, it was Kerr’s turn to take part in the basketball action.

Already having faced NBA Super Star Luka Dončić, Kriisa returned to action yesterday, this time taking on the former Wildcat star, Lauri Markkanen.

Playing a big role for Estonia, Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa competed, but Estonia ultimately fell to Lauri Markkanen and Finland.

Taking on former Wildcat Lauri Markkanen and the Finnish national team on Sunday, Kerr would log nearly 26 minutes of play, scoring 13 points on 5-11 shooting (2-7 from three). Kriisa would also dish four assists, grabbed one rebound, and registered one steal.

This performance comes just days after competing with Dončić and Slovenian National Team. Estonia fell in that one 104-83, despite Kerr registering 14 points.

However, in this one, Markkanen and Finland were ultimately too much for Estonia, coming away with the 76-68 win. Lauri finished his day with 18 points and nine rebounds on 9-18 shooting (0-3 from three).

While Kerr may not have been the superstar out there; however, these past few games have been invaluable to Kerr and his development, as he has shown some great basketball skills at this level.

Arizona’s success hinges on how Kerr progresses this off-season, and going up against some of the world’s best talent isn’t a bad way to compete.

Kerr can be seen in this video wearing No. 44 for Findland (in white).

Related Story. Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa shows no fear, pesters NBA super star Luka Dončić. light

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