KOTKA, Finland (Interstat) — KTP Kotka Basket will look to remain unbeaten Friday when it welcomes Tampereen to Kotka. KTP Kotka Basket enters at 2-0, while Tampereen is 1-2 and still seeking consistency early in the season. The home side has leaned on Mason Gillis, who has been one of the league’s most productive players through two games. Gillis is coming off a 29-point, 10-rebound, five-assist effort in an 84-78 win at Karhu Basket. He also had 22 points and 12 rebounds in an 87-64 home victory over Bisons Loimaa. Joel Mantynen added 20 points and nine rebounds in the Karhu Basket win, and Zion Styles contributed eight points and six rebounds. KTP Kotka Basket’s offense has been balanced enough to support Gillis, but its defense will be tested by a Tampereen team that has shown scoring ability even in defeat.

Tampereen will counter with Jamal West Jr., who has opened the season with strong all-around numbers. In the team’s most recent game, a 97-96 overtime loss at Tapiolan Honka, West scored 24 points and added eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Jordan Mason scored 18 points, and Shawn Hopkins added 20 points. West also posted 19 points and 12 rebounds in a 97-79 loss to Salon Vilpas, then recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in a 95-89 win at Korihait. The forward’s ability to score, rebound and protect the rim gives Tampereen a focal point on both ends. Tampereen’s challenge will be slowing KTP Kotka Basket’s transition game and keeping Gillis from controlling the glass.

The matchup features two of the more reliable frontcourt producers in the early season. Gillis has paired scoring with rebounding, while West has been a steady source of points, rebounds and blocks. Tampereen’s supporting cast will need to provide enough spacing and secondary scoring to match KTP Kotka Basket’s home efficiency. Mason and Hopkins have shown they can carry stretches, but the visitors must avoid the slow starts that hurt them in their two losses. KTP Kotka Basket, meanwhile, will aim to stay undefeated by protecting the ball and winning the rebounding battle.

KTP Kotka Basket has started with wins over Bisons Loimaa and Karhu Basket, while Tampereen has beaten Korihait and fallen to Salon Vilpas and Tapiolan Honka. Friday’s game gives Tampereen a chance to even its record and earn a quality road result. For KTP Kotka Basket, it is an opportunity to maintain momentum before the schedule continues.

Interstat’s game simulator projects KTP Kotka Basket to defeat Tampereen 90-83.