By Michalis Gioulenoglou/ info@eurohoops.net
Limassol, Cyprus – Italy made the first step towards the knock-out phase of Eurobasket 2025 by beating Georgia 78-62.
It was a very crucial game for the Italians, since they had already lost to Greece, while Georgia opened the tournament with a win over Spain.
Simone Fontecchio, with 14 points despite 0/5 threes, did his job; however, it was forward Saliou Niang with 15 points in 17 minutes who proved to be the key.
“He is going to have a great future, but his impact right now is something that we can already use”, said coach Gianmarko Pozzecco about the 21-year-old guard.
Mouhamet Diouf also added 13 points in a game decided in the last period after a tied halftime score at 32.
For the losing side, Goga Bitadze had 22 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili was contained to 13 points on 4/11 FG, and captain Toko Shengelia was scoreless in 21 minutes and ultimately was ejected.
After this result, the two teams are tied in Group C with a 1-1 record.
Photo credit: FIBA
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