Rustavi opened the semifinal series with a victory over Cactus

Basketball club Rustavi, which took the first place in the regular championship of the Super League, started the semifinal series with a victory. Rustavi, coached by Anatoli Boisa, has a court advantage and consequently, they hosted the first match of the series at their home arena. Cactus coached by Archil Zhghenti put up a solid resistance against Qvemo Qartli, but did not have the strength to win.

Cactus was successful in the first period thanks to the balanced roster. AJ Sumbry was effective under the cover, while Sandro Sanadze, Levan Maskhulia and Samajae-Haynes Jones were really fast in the back line. After winning the first period with 3 points, Rustavi still managed to reach the goal and advanced 30:19 in the middle of the second quarter.

In the time remaining before the big break, Cactus players moved to an individual game and reaped the result. Sandro Sanadze with long and medium range shots and AJ Sumry with under cover activity, equalized the game and reduced the difference to a minimum. In the last second of the first half, Sanadze scored a three-pointer and Cactus advanced for the first time in the match – 34:33.

The equal game lasted until the middle of the third period, after which Jylan Washington scored 2 two-pointers and 2 three-pointers in a row. His legionnaire teammates also followed him in success. After the effectiveness of Michael Davis and David Okeke, Rustavi’s leadership reached 13 points – 64:51. This moment became a turning point. In the final period, Cactus could not turn the game around and Rustavi came to victory easily thanks to the tactically held and accurate game – 89:77 (სStatistics). 

Washington led the winners with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Davis scored 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Maliek White had 12 points. David Okeke collected – 12. Sandro Sanadze was the most effective in Cactus with 20 points and 5 assists. AJ Sumbry had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Levan Maskhulia scored 17 points and 5 rebounds.

The second match of the semifinal series between Rustavi and Cactus will be held in Tbilisi on May 17, at 17:00.