Tbilisi Olympic Palace is hosting another tour of the Super League. Marneuli hosted Kutaisi in the first match and lost 81:89 in a tense battle.
Delta defeated Dinamo Tbilisi in the previous round. In general, this team is able to beat any opponent. They advanced with 10 points against Kutaisi and were winning for a while, but their leadership didn’t continue till the end.
After the first period, Marneuli was losing with 5 points, but they managed to tie the game and win the second period 26:14 . After that, they had 7-points advantage for the big break. Soon, Marneuli advanced with 10 points, but the Super League leader made the right movements and changed the situation in the third quarter. The guests won this period 26:17 and advanced 61:59 before the decisive quarter.
An equal struggle continued in the last period. Finally, Marneuli defeated 81:89. Akaki Dvalishvili led the winners with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Jonathan Lee scored 19 points and 6 assists. Giorgi barbaqadze accumulated 15 points. Saba Lobjanidze was the most effective with 21 points in Marneuli. Levan Patsatsia and Deondre Ray had 12-12 points each.
Temur kankia – Marneuli head coach:
“As you already know, we do not have high players, so our chances are reduced. We played well in defense in the first half today and had a real chance to win, but the opponent came to be stronger in the second half and we lost. I congratulate Kutaisi on the victory.”
Kote Tughushi – Kutaisi head coach:
“We had a very difficult game, as it was expected. Marneuli has gained two victories in the previous two rounds. Therefore, we were expecting a hard game. We had very big problems in the first half. In addition, as you already know, some players are missing and despite that, our boys fought to the end. It is their merit that we have won today.”
