Kutaisi 2010 has become a second finalist of the Superleague. The team trained by Kote Tughushi, defeated current champion – Dinamo in the 5th and decisive match of semifinal series – 78:74 and went to the finals. The final series, which starts on May 23, will last until 3 victories and Kutaisi will play against Delta. Imeretian club, who took the first place in a regular championship, will have a court advantage. They will hold 2 matches in Kutaisi on May 23 and 24.
The meeting was quite tense and started with Kutaisi’s activity, they won a starting period – 24:19. Dinamo, trained by Irakli Khoshtaria, tied a game in the second quarter, won it 22L16 thanks to Bubalo’s effectiveness and advanced by 1 point – 41:40 for the big break.
However, Kutaisians returned their leadership thanks to Davit Loladze and Giorgi Barbaqadze’s three-pointers, LJ Booth and Jonathan Lee were also very accurate, accordingly, Kutaisians advanced by 12 points – 59:47. Dinamo managed to mobilize and reduced the difference to 9 points before the end of the period. They also were able to lead thanks to Jordan Swopshire and Mikheil Chochua.
With a three-pointer of Jordan Swopshire, Dinamo managed to lead 69:67 four minutes before the end. Then was Giorgi Barbaqadze’s turn. He scored 2 three-pointers, Jonatan Lee also helped him and 80 seconds before the final siren, the hosts gained a 6-point advantage – 75:69.
It almost meant Kutaisi’s victory, especially after Levan Grdzelidze of Dinamo missed 2 out of 3 free-throws. However, Dinamo managed to reduce the difference to 2 points after Jordan Swopshire’s three-pointer. Davit Lomidze scored 1 free-throw and Dinamo had a chance to equalize the score with a three-pointer, but Vova Tavaqarashvili missed it 10 seconds before the end. The fate of this match was decided here.
Jonathan Lee led the winners with 21 points. Akaki Dvalishvili scored 18 points, Davit Lomidze had 15. Demagoj Bubalo was the most effective with 25 points in Dinamo. Jordan Swopshire scored 19 points.
Dinamo will meet Mgzavrebi on May 26 in the match for a second place. As for final series, it will start on May 23 in Kutaisi between Delta and the locals.
