Identity of the semifinalist at Dudu Dadiani Memorial Tournament is revealed
Identity of the semifinalist at Dudu Dadiani Memorial Tournament is revealed. until the last day of group phase only 2 semifinalists were known – TSU and Kutaisi. After the games held in Rustavi Basketball Hall 3rd first place holder and second place holder having best result should have been revealed. Caucasus and Rustavi advanced from the group and earned right to compete in playoff.
We should praise Super League debutant Caucasus which was playing in “A” league in last season. After advancing to highest Georgian league, coach Beka Tsivtsivadze has strengthened the roaster. Team invited Ilia Londaridze, member of Georgian National team and 3 legionaries to join them and turned Caucasus into undesirable opponent to others. Caucasians have shown their strength in the very first tournament of the season, Beka Tsivtsivadze’s team won all 3 games of the group.
Before facing Caucasus, Olimpi was undefeated as well. Team of Davit Rogava played in the final of super league last year. Since then, their roaster became even stronger. Team, which has been competing in super league for over 11 years and is being among the favorites all the time, faced the debutant in Rustavi Basketball Hall. The game was very entertaining. Participants did not lack desire to win, and were fully devoted. Members of both teams were fighting till the last minutes to achieve the goal. We should distinguish Ilia Londaridze, who was playing for Olimpi last season and played huge role in advancing to final. In the equal game, 1 minute before the final buzzer Caucasians found strength to lead by 8 points. Together with Londaridze, performance of young Levan Gogichaishvili and legionaries Justin Forest and Kris MacNeill should be outlined as well. Caucasus won by 94:85 (statistics) and Olimpi lost chance to advance to the semi-finals as the best second place holder as well.
Apkhazeti, which changed location and name, and will compete under “Gurjaani Delta” since upcoming super league season, also had chance to advance from the group. Team coached by Irakli Dzidziguri defeated Batumi by 70:74(Statistics) and finished group stage. To subtract result of the game against Kaktus (Last place holder in the group) Delta has 1 victory, 1 loss and +3 points after the end group stage.
The only team to overcome Delta’s result was Rustavi, which was facing Mega and required to win over 6 points. Team coached by Anatoli Boisa did not give a chance to the opponent and together with cheering supporters defeated Mega by 92:68(Statistics).
Another game hold in Rustavi could not affect the semifinal results. TSU faced Kaktus and despite any result team of Tbilisi State University had guaranteed the first place in the group and Kaktus was the 4th in the pool A. Kaktus coached by Irakli Khoshtaria defeated opponent by 76:62 (Statistics)
Just like this winner of the group phase – TSU, Caucasus, Kutaisi and second place holder having the best result Rustavi advanced to playoff.
Semifinals will take place on October 18th in “A hall” of Tbilisi Olympic Palace: Kutaisi VS TSU at 15:30, Caucasus VS Rustavi 18:00.
