Tornike Shengelia sustains shoulder injury, leaves Georgia-Netherlands games in tears / News - Basketnews.com

Tornike Shengelia did everything for Georgia in the first half vs. the Netherlands for the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, but after he had to leave the court with a shoulder injury, Thadd McFadden came up big-time in the second part to push the hosts to win.

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Georgia's huge 16-0 run in the third quarter was enough for Ilias Zouros' team (3-2) to beat the Netherlands (0-5) 77-66 (18-18, 17-17, 21-9, 21-22) in Tblisi and keep their World Cup chances alive.

Georgia / Schedule

Georgia Netherlands77-66 Italy GeorgiaSat18:30

However, Georgia's win was overshadowed by Tornike Shengelia's shoulder injury midway through the third period with the score 49-35 for the hosts and six minutes remaining in the quarter. The former CSKA Moscow and Virtus Bologna forward made up for Sandro Mamukelashvili's bad evening, scoring 20 points on 8/11 FG and adding 4 rebounds.

However, in an attempt to catch the ball, he slipped and fell on his shoulder. Shangelia was unable to return and left the court in tears. His status ahead of Georgia's next fame vs. Italy on Saturday (August 27) night is uncertain.

Goga Bitadze's mediocre comeback was highlighted by 4 points, 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers. On the other hand, Worthy De Jong poured in 22 points for the losing side, while Charlon Kloof added 13.

Thadd McFadden had been underperforming in prep games (Israel, Turkey, Poland, Greece), but now, he took the opportunity to lead Georgia with eight points in less than five minutes. The game was tied at 35 apiece in the first half, before the hosts broke it open, thanks to the 35-year-old naturalized guard and an exceptional Tornike Shengelia.

The Netherlands went strong on the offensive glass, but weren't able to raise their poor shooting percentages. Nevertheless, Worthy De Jong made it a three-point game (58-55), scoring two in a row from distance, as Georgia were shocked by their captain's injury. Maurizio Buscaglia's men tied it at 60 points with another dagger by Charlon Kloof.

The three remaining big men (Mamukelashvili, Bitadze, Shermadini) responded with some tough baskets, but De Jong kept his team in the game. Thadd McFadden carried the torch with a three-pointer and a made free throw which essentially tied things up for Georgia (70-62 with less than three minutes left).

Credit FIBA Media

Georgia: Tornike Shengelia 20 (8/11 FG, 2/2 FT, 4 REB, 3 TO), Thadd McFadden 19 (6/16 FG, 2/4 FT2 REB, 5 AST, 3 TO), Giorgi Shermadini 13 (4/6 FG, 5/6 FT, 5 REB), Sandro Mamukelashvili 10 (5/14 FG, 10 REB), Goga Bitadze 8 (7 REB, 4 TO).

Netherlands: Worthy De Jong 22 (9/17 FG, 0/2 FT, 6 REB), Charlon Kloof 13 (4/15 FG, 2/4 FT, 5 AST), Olaf Schaftenaar 10.

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