By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Fresh off meeting his new Los Angeles Lakers teammates in Slovenia, Sandro Mamukelashvili helped Georgia overcome Israel, 101–90, in Otar Korkia and Nodar Jorjikia Tbilisi Sports Palace on Sunday.
The exhibition served as a tune-up for both nations ahead of the second and final round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Armed with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze and Mamukelashvili, who recently attended the Lakers minicamp in Slovenia hosted by Luka Doncic, Georgia enters Group I of the European Qualifiers with a 3–3 record, sitting just one game out of a qualifying spot for Qatar. Conversely, Israel enters Group K at 2–4, trailing the top three by three games.
The visitors initially exploited sluggish transition defense to build a double-digit lead in the opening quarter. However, head coach Aleksandar Dzikic quickly rallied the Crusaders, leaning on his NBA frontcourt in a second-quarter resurgence that secured a 43–41 halftime advantage. Georgia’s star trio dictated the interior rhythm, as Bitadze was up to 12 early points, and Mamukelashvili notched 11.
The second half devolved into a chess match with several lead changes. The game hung in the balance until crunch time, when Georgia engineered a decisive 8–0 run to establish an insurmountable 11-point cushion, sealing the win. Bitadze spearheaded the assault with 22 points, while Mamukelashvili showcased his versatile inside-out skill set to finish with 20. Tornike Shengelia provided elite support with 17 points and nine rebounds. In a losing effort, Roman Sorkin logged a game-high 25 points.
Following next week’s FIBA window, the NBA players will return across the Atlantic to focus on their respective Preseason schedules.
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