Israel hold down Georgia in Tblisi for the second time to stay unbeaten in friendly games / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Israeli Basketball Federation Credit Israeli Basketball Federation

A great third quarter turned a deficit into a double-digit lead and eventually into a victory for the Israeli national team over Georgia (81-68), in a prep game held behind closed doors.

Guy Goodes' squad captured their second victory over Georgia in two days, after an impressive 104-96 win on Friday night, in a friendly held in Tbilisi, where one of the four EuroBasket groups will be hosted.

The Israelis are now 3-0 in prep games, taking advantage of the absence of Tornike Shengelia, who was left out in order to take some rest.

Guy Pnini, with 12 points, was the top scorer for the Israelis, who overturned a score of 34-41 at half-time and made a 28-14 partial in the third period.

Deni Avdija didn't play, while Tomer Ginat had a double-double of 10 points and as many rebounds. Yam Madar also contributed 10 points.

For Georgia, who will be joining Poland, Turkey and hosts Greece at the Acropolis tournament next week, Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 16, while Georgi Shermadini another 15.

Credit Israeli Basketball Federation

Israeli coach Guy Goodes said after the game: "Our second half was good. It’s important to come to the game focused one day after a victory. In the first half, we were less focused and less sharp, but I think the guys responded to the challenge, we kept Georgia on 27 points in the second half and scored 47.

These are test games and everyone should get minutes to show us that we are not missing something along the way. These were two good games. We still have a lot to improve and the most important thing is to stay healthy.”

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