By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Weathering the storm produced by Tornike Shengelia, Poland beat Georgia, 87-76, as both sides closed out the series of friendly games in August.
Michał Michalak, a recent addition to Turkish club Manisa, paved the way by connecting six three-points for a team-high 22 points in Friday’s prep game. The Eagles finished the 31st International Tournament Acropolis Aegean with two wins and one loss while recording a second win in a total of five friendly contests.
Awaiting the addition of A. J. Slaughter, the team coached by Igor Milicic will compete in Group D of the 2022 EuroBasket. The Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, the Netherlands, and Serbia are the teams to beat during the trip to Prague, aiming to clinch a berth in the knockout stage of the tournament to be held in Berlin. Next week’s fixtures against Croatia at home and Austria on the road will open the 2025 EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers Group E.
Ilias Zouros’ side wrapped up the trip to Athens with three losses and an overall record of 0-7 in friendlies. Free agent Shengelia pouring 27 points behind 9/10 field goals was not enough to avoid the winless run over the last few weeks. Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Milwaukee Bucks delivered a tremendous dunk on his way to nine points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Goga Bitadze of the Indiana Pacers missed all prep games but is expected to join the hosts of EuroBasket’s Group A ahead of the games versus Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Montenegro in Tbilisi. Entering Group L of the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers, a home game versus the Netherlands and a visit to Italy make out next week’s schedule for the Crusaders.
Photo Credit: Hellenic Basketball Twitter