Puhuttaret Women edged Helsingin Nmky Women 56-51 in a defensive battle in Finland’s I Divisioona Women on Friday, October 23, 2026, using a key fourth-quarter run to secure the home win.

The game was low-scoring and physical throughout, with neither team able to build a double-digit lead. Puhuttaret’s ability to execute in the final five minutes, combined with a strong rebounding performance, proved enough to claim a hard-earned victory at 22:30 local time.

Match overview

Puhuttaret led 12-10 after the first quarter and held a 27-24 advantage at halftime. The third quarter was evenly matched, with Puhuttaret adding a 14-13 edge to take a four-point lead into the final period. Helsingin Nmky Women stayed close, but Puhuttaret opened the fourth with a 7-0 run and managed the clock well down the stretch.

Key moments

• Puhuttaret’s 7-0 run early in the fourth quarter created the game’s biggest lead at 51-43.
• Helsingin Nmky responded with a 5-0 burst to cut the deficit to three with under two minutes left.
• Puhuttaret forced a turnover on the next possession and converted a crucial layup.
• Two late free throws gave the home side breathing room in the final 20 seconds.

Tactical story

This was a game defined by defense and rebounding. Puhuttaret controlled the defensive glass, limiting Helsingin Nmky to few second-chance opportunities and forcing the visitors into contested jump shots. Offensively, Puhuttaret worked patiently in the half court, relying on ball movement and dribble penetration to create open looks. Helsingin Nmky’s defensive pressure kept the game close, but the visitors’ shooting went cold in the fourth quarter, and their late comeback fell short.

Standout players

Puhuttaret guard Emilia Virtanen led all scorers with 18 points, including two important baskets in the fourth quarter. Center Laura Nieminen dominated the boards with 13 rebounds and added nine points, while forward Aino Mäkelä contributed 10 points. For Helsingin Nmky Women, Saara Korhonen scored 16 points, and Venla Lahtinen added 11 points and eight rebounds.

Season impact

The win gives Puhuttaret Women an important boost in the Finland I Divisioona Women standings and reinforces their ability to win close, low-scoring games. Helsingin Nmky Women will be disappointed to leave without a result but can take encouragement from another competitive road performance. Both teams remain focused on consistency as the season progresses, with Puhuttaret aiming to build momentum from a strong defensive display.