Italy overcomes Georgia, Nico Mannion's ejection to qualify for World Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Marco Spissu was a crucial player on the court for Italy, registering 15 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 20 EFF.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Nico Mannion left the court in the 13th minute. Virtus Bologna guard got an unsportsmanlike foul in the first quarter and received a technical foul for flopping at the start of the second quarter. He scored 6 points on two 3-pointers.

Nico Mannion

Team:Virtus Segafredo BolognaPosition:SGAge:21Height:188 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:Siena, ItalyProfileNewsStatistics

Despite losing one of their leaders early, Italy won a thriller in Georgia, 85-84 (24-19, 21-19, 18-17, 26-25).

Italy got its sixth win in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and advanced to the main tournament in 2023. Meanwhile, Georgia will play crucial games against the Netherlands and Iceland in February's window.

Italy was led by Marco Spissu in this game, who had 15 points (1/1 2PT, 4/10 3PT, 1/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 20 EFF.

Tornike Shengelia was the top scorer for Georgia. Though, 15 points (4/7 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 4/7 FT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 15 EFF were not enough to gift a win for a local crowd with 'Georgian Maradona' Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the gym.

Italy: Marco Spissu 15 (6 REB, 8 AST), Amedeo Tessitori 15, Paul Biligha 11, Michele Vitali 11.

Georgia: Tornike Shengelia 15 (6 AST), Duda Sanadze 14, Giorgi Shermadini 14 (9 REB), Thaddus McFadden 13 (5 REB), Mikheil Berishvili 11, George Tsintsadze 11.

Game highlights

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.