TBILISI (Georgia) - Toko Shengelia and Goga Bitadze proved a formidable force as Georgia secured an impressive 101-74 victory over Montenegro in Group I.
Shengelia delivered a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals, while Bitadze also played a key role in the success by adding 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Sandro Mamukelashvili chipped in with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
"We came out with the concentration, and we had the plan to grow the lead, point by point, we did, and we maintained it," Shengelia said. "We increased the aggressiveness in defense, and we shared the ball offensively, so if we do both things, you know, the good things happen."
Georgia took a 27-17 lead by the end of the first quarter, as Shengelia’s scoring and rebounding, combined with Bitadze’s influence inside, provided the platform for the hosts to dictate the game early.
Despite flashes of offense from Montenegro, Georgia remained composed and executed effectively on both ends of the floor. With valuable contributions from their supporting cast, they maintained their advantage throughout the remaining three quarters, and never surrendered the lead, committing only 3 turnovers all game long.
The victory moves Georgia to 4-3 in Group I and provides an important boost to their campaign. The team’s ability to rely on its two leading big men while also getting contributions from the rest of the roster is a major positive.
Georgia will now turn their attention to Monday’s clash with Portugal in Matosinhos. They will be hoping to carry the momentum from this convincing performance into another important Group I encounter.
FIBA