Georgia open new arena in style as they stun World champions Spain

TBILISI (Georgia) - Georgia marked the opening of their new arena in Tbilisi as a capacity crowd of 8,500 witnessed their stunning win over reigning FIBA Basketball World Cup champions Spain.

The FIBA EuroBasket 2022 co-hosts held their nerve in overtime to seal an 82-76 triumph and inflict a first loss on Spain in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers in Monday's action. 

Toko Shengelia posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals in an all-round display, with frontcourt partner Giorgi Shermadini top-scoring with 18 points in a memorable victory for the Georgians.

"For us, we knew we had to make a reaction - not only from the Ukraine game, but also from the game we lost against Spain by 20+ points. We wanted to come here in the first game in the new gym and wanted to win this game for our country. I'm very, very proud of my teammates and all of the coaching staff," Shengelia said afterwards.

“HE PLAYED TOUGH. HE'S A BIG LEADER ON THIS TEAM AND GOOD FOR GEORGIA TO HAVE HIM." - Scariolo on Toko Shengelia

Shengelia also earned praise from Spain's head coach Sergio Scariolo for his performance as the pair are closely acquainted from their time together at club level, at  Italian powerhouse Virtus Bologna. 

"Toko played smart. That is what I am teaching him, actually. He did a good job, have to give him credit. He played tough as always, he's a big leader on this team and good for Georgia to have him," the Italian coach.

On the new venue, Scariolo added, "The fans were great. They were warm and rooting for their team, which created a great atmosphere. We loved it, and we are looking forward to coming here in September for the EuroBasket."

A close battle ensued in the fourth and it took a late three from Dario Brizuela to force an extra period with the game tied at 67-67. Rati Andronikashvili stepped up in overtime with 8 points including two big three-pointers with Thadus McFadden following suit with a dagger inside the final minute.

Georgia have never previously been to a World Cup and boosted their chances of making history as they now take a 2-2 record into the Second Round, where they will come up against Iceland, Italy and the Netherlands in Group L.

Meanwhile, Spain drop to a 4-1 record overall after losing their 100-percent start in the First Round and they still have one game to play when they face Ukraine in Riga on Thursday.

FIBA