Rustavi defeated Dinamo, and Kutaisi beat Olimpi in Tbilisi

The 9th round of the Super League, which started yesterday in Batumi, continued today in Tbilisi and Rustavi. Rustavi hosted Dinamo in Qvemo Qartli, while Kutaisi hosted Olimpi at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace. Yes, the Kutaisi team was considered to be the host in this match, because according to the calendar, it had to have hosted Olimpi in Kutaisi, but it wasn’t able to do so due to the malfunction of the arena. Therefore, they hosted Olimpi at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace in agreement with the leadership of the Super League. The second circle match between these teams will also be held in Tbilisi and will be hosted by Olimpi.

Holding the game outside their city did not hinder Kutaisi players, they looked mobilized, bold and purposeful. The team coached by Kote Tughushi suffered its first defeat in the Super League in the previous round against Titebi and proved in the very next game that it was an accident. The Imereti club does not have a fall, because it beat the rather strong and ambitious Olimpi in Tbilisi with one breath.

Olimpi did not start badly – they were winning 9:3, but Kutaisi easily found its game and left the opponent behind. The Imereti club was led by Giorgi Korsantia, who is one of the most furious forwards of the current championship. The member of the national team gave a great advantage to Kutaisi players. He would rebound and score, using every possibility. Adrian Bowie was helping him from the back line and Jarvis Ray – from front line.

Kutaisi was ahead significantly, while the Olympians were in the role of a follower and they caught up with the opponent in the final period, equalizing the score – 69-69 thanks to the effectiveness of Kakha Jintcharadze, Bundu Abdulai, Davit Lomidze and Luka Kalatozishvili. Here, Kutaisi players took a second breath and advanced in such a way that they became inaccessible for the opponent and finally reached the victory easily – 84:82 (Statistics). 

The hero of the match, Giorgi Korsantia led the winners with 27 points, 15 rebounds and 3 steals. Jarvis Ray collected 15 points and 7 rebounds.  Adrian Bowie scored 13 points and 8 assists. Levan Grdzelidze had 16 points. Kakha Jintcharadze was the most effective in Olimpi with 22 points. 3 players collected 14 points: Luka Kalatozishvili, Bundu Abdulai and Davit Lomidze.

The meeting in Rustavi turned out to be tenser. Dinamo, which has only one victory in the Super League, fought the host heroically until the end, but it lacked very little before the victory. Dinamo, coached by Jolivet Toudjan, was winning almost throughout the game, the leader was changed 18 times and the tie was recorded 11 times. 

It was the last home game of 2021 for Rustavi and they were especially excited by the fans and dedicated in the crucial moments. Young Guga Patashuri’s effectiveness is praiseworthy, he held the best match of the season. In the final minutes, Rustavi strengthened defense and thanks to the productive attacks, eventually won 82:76 (Statistics).

Christian Keeling led the winners with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Guga Patashuri scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Ishmael Hollis and Luwane Pipkins had 12-12 points each. Benjamin College and Rahsaan Williams were the most effectives in Dinamo with 15-15 points each.

The remaining 2 matches of the 9th round of the Super League will be held on December 25 at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace.