Shengelia leads Georgia to upset Spain in overtime World Cup qualifier

Georgia handed Spain its first loss in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, securing a dramatic 91-89 overtime victory. The Spanish team, which had won its previous five games, squandered a commanding 22-point lead in the final quarter and overtime.

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The last of Spain's 32 missed triples in their visit to Georgia (9 of 41) was the closing of a game that the national team had in hand, having up to 22 points of advantage and which escaped them in a bad last quarter and in overtime.

Georgia's comeback was spearheaded by veteran forward Tornike Shengelia, who delivered a dominant performance with 37 points and 10 rebounds. He was effectively supported by the naturalized player Reed, who contributed 32 points. Despite strong efforts from Spain's Willy Hernangómez (19 points, 8 rebounds) and a solid team performance, they could not hold off the Georgian surge.

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The warrior from Georgia led the local reaction from inside and outside. Spain relaxed the defensive pressure and the energy in the rebound, and several long shots spat out of the rim.

The match echoed Spain's Eurobasket 2022 win in Berlin, with some players returning to Tbilisi. However, the team's offensive struggles, particularly their 9-of-41 shooting from beyond the arc, proved costly. Spain's defense faltered in the crucial final moments, allowing Georgia to tie the game and force overtime, ultimately leading to their defeat.

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The team wove with patience and sprinted when it had the chance. Georgia remained hooked to Shengelia, who knows no rest, and to the volcanic Reed.