Georgia’s national basketball team claimed a dramatic 91–89 overtime victory over Spain in a 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying game played on home court.
Head coach Aleksandar Džikić started the game with Luka Ochkhikidze, Marcquise Reed, Duda Sanadze, Tornike Shengelia and Goga Bitadze.
Spain dominated the opening quarter, building an early advantage and taking a commanding 32–14 lead after the first 10 minutes. Georgia responded in the second period by improving defensively and cutting the deficit through the efforts of Shengelia and Reed, trailing 52–38 at halftime.
After the break, Spain extended its lead to 71–57 heading into the final quarter. Georgia then mounted a comeback, with Shengelia and Reed leading the charge. Reed tied the game with a three-pointer before Shengelia put the hosts in front. Spain equalized late, and Shengelia missed a potential game-winning shot in regulation, sending the contest into overtime at 83–83.
Spain opened the extra period with a five-point run, but Georgia fought back to regain the lead. Reed scored the decisive basket with 19 seconds remaining, while Spain was unable to convert its final possession, sealing a memorable 91–89 victory for the hosts.
Shengelia finished as the game’s leading scorer with 37 points and 10 rebounds, while Reed added 32 points and seven assists. Giorgi Jinjaradze contributed six points, Sanadze scored five, Bitadze and Turdziladze added four each, Merkviladze finished with three, and Ochkhikidze scored one point.
For Spain, Willy Hernangómez led the team with 19 points. Cárdenas added 14, while Saint-Supery finished with 13.
The win gives Georgia a valuable boost in its 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign and will be remembered as one of the team’s most impressive performances in recent years. Beating a basketball powerhouse like Spain in such a dramatic fashion, especially on home court, was not only an important result but also a moment of pride for Georgian fans and a reminder of the team’s growing confidence on the international stage.
