By Michalis Gioulenoglou/ info@eurohoops.net
Limassol, Cyprus – Sandro Mamukelashvili led Georgia to the 83-69 win over Spain in their Eurobasket opener for Group C with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
It was the first-ever Eurobasket win of Georgia over Spain.
Mamu was great, Goga Bitadze scored 15 points, sealing the deal in the end, Duda Sanadze added 11 points, while Georgia captain Toko Shengelia (photo) played in the game, despite being doubtful until the 11th hour, finishing with 13 points.
“Ι came here three days ago, and after losing six prep games, guys were not feeling great, and I tried to make them believe again in themselves and each other”, he said after the game.
Georgia was in control for most of the first half, having even a 10-point advantage (19-9). Spain managed to get a short-lived 33-32 lead with Shengelia answering with his first shot of the game and giving his team a four-point cushion (37-33) before Dario Brizuela made it a two-point game at the buzzer (37-35).
The second half opened with five quick points by Georgia (42-35), only for Spain to react and make it a two-point game (46-44). Georgia pushed the lead back to 10 points (57-47) and kept things in check until the end, getting even a 16-point advantage (78-62).
Juancho Hernangomez had 13 points and Santi Aldama added 12 for the losing side, which no longer has any member of the previous “golden” generation in the roster.
“It was my fault that I couldn’t convince my team that we had to make a super, extra effort to match the physicality of Georgia”, said Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo after the game.
Photo Credit: FIBA