By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Georgia and Montenegro are the big Sunday winners of the FIBA World Cup qualifies in Europe, getting their tickets for the event, while one last ticket from Europe is up for grabs with Serbia and Belgium having the chance to get it in Monday’s games.
It was a night to remember in Tbilisi Arena where Georgia led by Toko Shengelia managed to punch a ticket to the World Cup despite the defeat. After an epic battle against Iceland who won but not by the required four-point margin, 80-77.
It would be Iceland celebrating if they scored just one more point, but in a crazy finish, Iceland led 75-71 with just over a minute left. After that, Shengelia scored crucial free throws to secure Georgia’s ticket to the World Cup.
Giorgi Shermadini had 23 points and six rebounds, while not missing a single shot the entire game. Shengelia had 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. For Iceland, it was all Elvar Fridriksson with 25 points.
The Ukrainian team finished the qualifications with a big win over the Netherlands, but they were out of contention to make it to the World Cup. Ukraine won 72-56.
The Netherlands did not record a single win in the entire qualification. Yusuf Sanon led the way with 17 points for Ukraine, while Yannick Kraag added 16 points in a losing effort.
From group L Spain and Italy have already qualified, and now Georgia follows from the third sport.
Montenegro is heading to the World Cup
A big win for the small country of Montenegro as they are heading to the World Cup. In a crucial win over the Czech Republic 88-70, Montenegro got the job done.
Nikola Radovic Led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds, and Kendrick Perry followed with 14.
Hungary was hoping for Montenegro to lose as they won against Bosnia and Hercegovina 87-77. In that scenario, Hungary would be heading to the World Cup, but Montenegro inked their second-ever World Cup appearance.
Wembanyama led France vs Lithuania, Italy defeated Spain in Caceres
In the game played pretty much for prestige, between already qualified teams of France and Lithuania from Group K, Vincent Collet’s players defeated Kestutis Kemzura’s squad 70-63.
Both coaches used the opportunity to showcase new talents, and as expected, Victor Wembanyama shined again as a top scorer of the winning side with 15 points.
JL Bourg’s Nicolas Lang added 13 points, while debutant Bodian Massa added 11 with four rebounds.
For Lithuania, Margiris Normantas got 17 points, while the experienced Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 11.
Wemby’s reach 🤯#FIBAWC x #WinForFrance pic.twitter.com/PGwTqMFrAE
— FIBA Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) February 26, 2023
Spain and Italy also clashed in a duel without a huge competitive charge, since both teams already clinched a berth at the FIBA World Cup, and Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team won 72-68.
Talented Guglielmo Caruso had a great game for the Azzurri with 19 points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes for a PIR 23.
Davide Casaran and Nico Mannion added 10 points each, while Luca Severini scored eight, with nine rebounds.
Real Betis’ Tyson Perez led the Spanish national team with 15 points and eight rebounds for a team-high PIR of 25. Only Ferran Bassas ended in double figures with 11 points.