Georgia powered past Cyprus with a commanding 93-61 victory in their Group C matchup at the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on September 2, 2025, in Limassol. Stars Tornike Shengelia and Goga Bitadze led the charge, boosting Georgia’s record to 2-2 and keeping their hopes alive for the Round of 16.
Stellar Performances from Key Players
Shengelia exploded for 27 points, a massive jump from his earlier games where he scored just 15 points combined. He shot an impressive 10 of 14 from the field, including a perfect 5 of 5 from three-point range. This outburst showed his leadership and scoring prowess, which Georgia badly needed after mixed results in the tournament.
Bitadze, the Orlando Magic center, delivered a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, plus three blocks. His hot shooting from deep, hitting 4 of 7 threes, surprised many and helped stretch the floor. Sandro Mamukelashvili added five points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, providing solid support on both ends.
For Cyprus, Darral Willis led with 19 points, but the team struggled overall, falling to 0-4 and out of contention. The hosts showed early fight but could not match Georgia’s intensity.
Game Breakdown and Turning Points
The contest started close, with Cyprus even leading early in the second quarter. Georgia then flipped the script with a 14-4 run to grab a 29-20 lead. They followed with 10 straight points, building a 39-24 cushion that Cyprus never recovered from.
By halftime, Georgia led 43-28, thanks to strong defense that forced turnovers and limited Cyprus to poor shooting. The second half saw Georgia pull away further, outscoring their opponents 50-33. Their three-point shooting was key, as they drained 15 threes at 52 percent efficiency.
This win came after Georgia’s upset victory over defending champions Spain earlier in the tournament, showing their potential. However, a heavy loss to Greece had put them in a must-win spot against Cyprus.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Other Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tornike Shengelia (Georgia) | 27 | 4 | 4 | 2 steals, 5/5 3PT |
| Goga Bitadze (Georgia) | 21 | 13 | 0 | 3 blocks, 4/7 3PT |
| Sandro Mamukelashvili (Georgia) | 5 | 10 | 6 | – |
| Darral Willis (Cyprus) | 19 | – | – | – |
Team Standings and Tournament Implications
Georgia now sits at 2-2 in Group C, setting up a crucial final game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A win there could secure their spot in the knockout stage, especially with their point differential improved by this blowout.
Cyprus, hosting part of the event, ends group play winless. This loss highlights their struggles against stronger European sides, despite home crowd support in the Spyros Kyprianou Arena.
The tournament has seen surprises, like Bosnia’s upset over Greece on the same day, which keeps Group C wide open. Georgia’s depth, with NBA talent like Bitadze and experienced players like Shengelia, positions them well for a deep run if they advance.
Player Backgrounds and Future Outlook
Shengelia, a veteran forward with EuroLeague experience, has been Georgia’s emotional leader. His 27-point game recalls his strong showings in past international events, where he often carries the team.
Bitadze, fresh off a solid NBA season with the Magic, brought defensive energy and unexpected outside shooting. His performance here boosts his stock heading into the 2025-26 NBA campaign.
Looking ahead, Georgia must focus on reducing turnovers, as seen in their Greece loss. For Cyprus, this tournament serves as valuable experience for future qualifiers.
- Georgia’s three-point barrage: 15 made threes, a tournament high for them.
- Defensive dominance: Held Cyprus to 61 points, their lowest allowed this EuroBasket.
- Rebounding edge: Outrebounded Cyprus 48-32, led by Bitadze’s 13 boards.
Broader Context in EuroBasket 2025
This edition of EuroBasket, co-hosted by Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland, features 24 teams battling for glory. Georgia’s path mirrors their growing presence in European basketball, building on their upset over Spain last week.
Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo for Greece continue to draw global attention, but underdogs like Georgia add excitement. With the tournament in full swing, fans watch closely as groups finalize for the Round of 16 starting soon.
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