Zurab Talakvadze

Georgia starts strong, but ends up losing to Spain

Santiago Martin Arena was the home arena for Spain, as the hosts welcomed Georgia in a World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.

Georgia had all the weapons ready for this clash. Tornike Shengelia was more than rested for this game and was in a starting line up. Along with Barcelona star, Georgian starting five had Rati Andronikashvili, Giorgi Shermadini, Aleksandre Phevadze and Duda Sanadze.

Georgia started strong and was deadly from the start go. Sanadze was hot, as he scored 7 early points and Georgia grabbed an early 18:8 lead. Spain was not making the shots and Georgia was controlling the game. Aleksandar Dzikic was making a timely substitutions and Goergia was active on defense as well. All in all, a good start from the visitors and Georgia took the first quarter 22:19.

It all started to change in the second quarter, as Spain was more creative on offense and thus, creating more timely problems for the visitor on defense. Spain evened the score and soon, took the lead. After the first half the hosts were leading 47:33. Sanadze got injured and did not come back from the locker. A big hit for team Georgia, as Spain continued to dominate.

Shengelia had his moments, but mostly, Tornike’s shot was off, as he finished with 10 points while making only 4/12 shots from the field.

Giorgi Shermadini finished his NT career with solid 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 dimes, while creating some huge problems for Spain in the paint. It was a sad day for Georgian Basketball, as Shermadini concluded his GNT chapter. Neddless to say, Georgian fans are thankful to Giorgi for his great career and passion, that he always had for the game.

Spain took the game 90:61. Spain made 60 percent of field goals (30/18). Spain was simply a better team. This was the second straight defeat for Georgia in as many games of this qualifying. and now, we need to beat Denmark, who lost to Ukraine.

Tough battles await.