Georgia to face Israel in final friendly before FIBA World Cup qualifiers

The Georgian national basketball team will face Israel in a friendly match today at the Otar Korkia and Nodar Dzhordzhikia Sports Palace in Tbilisi. The game will tip off at 7:15 p.m., with live coverage provided by the GPB First Channel.

The match will be Georgia’s final friendly before the team begins its official fixtures. Aleksandar Dzikic’s side will play two important games in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers — against Montenegro in Tbilisi on August 28 and away to Portugal on August 31.

Georgia have already played one friendly in August, defeating Lebanon convincingly, 93-74.

Team captain Tornike Shengelia will feature against Israel after being rested for the game against Lebanon. He is expected to help the national team in its next three matches.

Georgia and Israel have met 11 times to date. Georgia have won six of those encounters, while Israel have recorded five victories.