By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Although Cape Verde began the match with an 8-2 run, Georgia took control towards the end of the first quarter and never looked back, securing their FIBA World Cup debut with a convincing 85-60 triumph over another newcomer to the competition.
Tornike Shengelia was the leading scorer of the victorious side with 16 points, while Goga Bitadze achieved the highest PIR of 29, finishing with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Duda Sanadze added 12 points, and Alexander Mamukelashvili contributed 10 points along with eight boards.
For Cape Verde, Kenneti Mendes scored 11 points, and Keven Gomes added 10 points. However, their star player, Real Madrid‘s prominent big man Edy Tavares, only managed six points, but he secured 12 rebounds.
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Georgia was superior in nearly every aspect of the game. They dominated the rebounding category (48-38) and achieved better shooting percentages with 21/41 (51%) on two-pointers, 7/19 (37%) on three-pointers, and an impressive 22/24 (92%) from the free-throw line. In contrast, Cape Verde managed 18/45 (40%) on two-point shots, 3/26 (12%) on three-point attempts, and 15/21 (71%) from the free-throw line. The winning side also recorded eight more assists (23-15).
Whatever works, Mamu 🤷 #FIBAWC x #WinForGeorgia 🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/TNBc5rkAqQ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2023
The game began with a surprisingly strong start for Tavares and his teammates, as they secured an 8-2 lead. However, Georgia responded with an 18-3 run, gaining control. The match was largely one-sided from that point on, as the European team entered halftime with a commanding 48-22 advantage. The game’s outcome was effectively determined in the third period, with Georgia consistently widening the gap and entering the final 10 minutes with an insurmountable 70-37 lead.
In Round 2 of the first stage of the FIBA World Cup (28/8), Georgia will face Slovenia, while Cape Verde will have a chance to redeem themselves against Venezuela.
Photo: fiba.basketball