The Georgian national basketball team turned a daunting 22‑point hole into a historic triumph on Tuesday night, edging Spain 91‑89 in overtime at the Korkia‑Dzhordzhikia Arena in Tbilisi.
From the opening tip‑off, the visitors seemed to have the upper hand, building a comfortable lead that stretched to three dozen points. Yet the hosts refused to surrender, chipping away relentlessly until the scoreboard reflected a nail‑biting finish.
A Turning Point for Georgian Basketball
At the heart of the comeback was captain Tornike Shengelia, whose 37 points not only anchored the Georgian offense but also set a new franchise record, underscoring his growing stature on the international stage.
Joining him, American‑born Marquise Reed, now a naturalized Georgian citizen, contributed 32 points of his own, providing the crucial scoring burst that swung momentum in the final minutes.
The victory secured Georgia’s passage to the second group stage of the World Cup qualifiers, leaving the team with a 3‑3 record and a renewed belief that a World Cup berth is within reach.
Fans and analysts alike are already speculating on how this resilient performance will shape the squad’s strategy as they chase a spot in the tournament’s final phase.