Georgia defeats Portugal 98-90 in crucial World Cup qualifier

The Georgian national basketball team secured a hard-fought 98-90 victory over Portugal in the eighth game of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign.

The two teams entered the game with four wins each and are direct rivals in the battle for a place at the 2027 World Cup. Only the top three teams from the six-team group will qualify, making the victory particularly important for Georgia.

Georgia were considered favorites ahead of the game. The team has two NBA players, a EuroLeague-level forward and a high-level American point guard, while Portugal have one NBA player.

Portugal focused heavily on defense from the opening minutes, attempting to disrupt Georgia’s individual and combination play. The hosts frequently committed fouls as soon as Georgia’s key players received the ball. Georgia attempted 20 free throws in the first half, converting 18, and finished the game 27-for-32 from the line.

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta was particularly active for Portugal, competing strongly in the paint, collecting rebounds, distributing the ball and scoring.

Portugal built an 11-point lead at 22-11 in the first half, but Georgia gradually reduced the deficit through consistent play. Sandro Mamukelashvili’s three-pointer in the final seconds of the first half cut Portugal’s lead to just one point, 42-41.

Georgia took control in the third quarter. After a steal and three-pointer by Rati Andronikashvili, followed by a three-point play from Mamukelashvili, Georgia moved ahead 57-52. The Georgian side entered the fourth quarter leading 70-66.

Head coach Aleksandar Džikić’s strategic adjustments once again proved decisive. As in the game against Montenegro, Georgia increased its defensive intensity in the fourth quarter while significantly raising the pace of its offense.

Portugal struggled to cope with the change in tempo, allowing Georgia to establish a 16-point lead, 87-71, with four minutes remaining. From there, Georgia maintained control to secure the 98-90 victory.

Andronikashvili produced his most effective performance for the Georgian national team. Having previously scored 17 points against Spain in 2022, he set a new personal record for the national team with 20 points in Portugal, adding four steals.

Captain Tornike Shengelia led all scorers with 26 points, while Mamukelashvili contributed 22.

In another game in the same group, Greece defeated Spain 108-106 in overtime in Athens.