Rustavi defeated Olimpi in Tbilisi

One of the leaders of the Super League, Olimpi, suffered the second defeat in a row. The team coached by Davit Rogava lost the match against Vera a week ago, today they faced the current champion Rustavi and lost 81:89 (Statistics). 

This victory was very important for Rustavi. Qvemo Qartli team coached by Anatoli Boisa does not look good considering being champions. Before this round, Rustavi had 2 wins and 5 losses and if they lost today, they would be among the outsiders.

Rustavi replaced 2 legionnaires recently and improved the game significantly. It is true that they lost at home to Titebi in the previous round, but the Qvemo Qartli team is clearly making progress and this was proved today by the defeat of the ambitious Olimpi. The meeting at the Olympic Palace started with an equal fight. Olimpi won the first period with a minimal difference – 20:19, however, from the second ten minutes, the guests changed the game cardinally and took the lead.

With a fast and, most importantly, effective game, Rustavi left the opponent behind, won the period 26:18 and took a 7-point lead before the big break. In the third quarter, Qvemo Qartli increased the pressure and left the opponent with a bigger difference. The difference in the score increased to 16 points, however, Olimpi did not give up and fought tirelessly until the end. Rogava’s team kept the chance until the last minutes, but eventually lost.

Christian Keeling led the winners with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Ishmael Hollis collected 20 points and 8 rebounds. Luwane Pipkins scored 13 points and 10 assists. Kakha Jintcharadze was the most effective in Olimpi with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Ilia Londaridze had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

The last 2 matches of the 9th round will be held tomorrow, December 19, at the Olympic Palace.