Celtics center Neemias Queta recorded a double-double, but his Portugal team ultimately fell to Georgia and Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili in Group I game of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Georgia claimed a crucial win in Group I of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Player of the Game
PTS
20
FGS
9-11
REB
1
AST
1
Led by the forward duo of Tornike Shengelia and Sandro Mamukelashvili, Georgia defeated Portugal 98-90 to secure its fifth win and move to the top of the group alongside Spain with four games remaining.
Portugal made the stronger start at home and held an eight-point lead after the first quarter, but Georgia took control as the game progressed and never looked back, taking a huge step toward World Cup qualification.
Veteran forward Tornike Shengelia led Georgia to victory with 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
New Los Angeles Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili also delivered a strong performance, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Mamukelashvili was outshined individually by Portugal and Boston Celtics starting center Neemias Queta, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
This win for Georgia gave them a major boost in tight situation Group I.
They’re currently tied with Spain with 5 wins and 3 losses with four games remaining in the qualifiers.
Ukraine is currently on top of the Group with 6 wins and 2 losses.
Meanwhile Portugal, together with Greece and Montenegro are all sit tied for 4-6th place with 4-4 record.
# Team GM W L HW HL PPG PPG A Diff STR L5 1 8 6 2 3 1 85.5 78.0 60 +4 – + + + + – 2 8 5 3 3 1 90.1 78.8 91 -3 + + – – – – 3 8 5 3 3 1 85.5 82.6 23 +3 + – + + + – 4 8 4 4 1 3 83.8 79.5 34 -1 – – + + – – 5 8 4 4 2 2 77.1 74.5 21 +1 + – – – + – 6 8 4 4 1 3 71.8 79.1 -59 -2 – + + – – –
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