The current champion Rustavi's first victory in the Super League

The current champion’s first victory in the Super League. Rustavi coached by Anatoli Boisa, which won the championship last season without losing a match in the playoffs, started the current tournament with 3 losses. Qvemo Qartli team was close to victory at home in the previous round against TSU, but the wait for the first 2 points was postponed until the next round. Today, the 5th round started at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace and Rustavi defeated the rival Mega convincingly – 93:78 (Statistics).

However, this meeting started in such a way that it was unlikely for Rustavi to achieve any success. In the middle of the first period, Qvemo Qartli, coached by Boisa, was 10 points behind and only managed to improve the situation after a minute break and a new game plan. Mega won the first quarter 23:18 and from the second period it was already Rustavi’s turn. At the expense of defense and accurate long-range shots, the guests reduced the difference and went to the big break with an equal score – 43:43.

Rustavi players made better use of the meeting held in the locker room. There was a big difference between the teams returning to the court, in accuracy and defense, as well as in the planning-tactics of the game. Giorgi Tvalabeishvili was under the cover, supported by Ishmael Hollis and Christian Keeling from the back line. Qvemo Qartli team won the third period 29:21 and increased its advantage to 20 points in the fourth one, deciding the fate of the match minutes before it was finished. 

Eventually, the guests easily went to the victory and broke the losing streak. Keeling led the winners with 25 points. Tvalabeishvili collected 21 points and Hollis had – 20. Djimon Henson was the most effective in Mega with 19 points. Demonte Flannigan scored 17 points and 9 rebounds.