It continues to be a disappointing start for African teams at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as Cape Verde also lost their opening game at Okinawa Arena in Japan, following in the footsteps of the more experienced Angola and Egypt.
The Blue Sharks lost to Georgia 60-85 in a clash between two debutants, suffering a 25-point defeat despite a late surge in the fourth quarter. The Europeans led all through the first three quarters with a combined score of 70-37, giving them the chance to take their foot off the pedal in the final round.
Georgia announce #FIBAWC arrival with rout of Cape Verde in clash of debutants! #WinForGeorgia ????????
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2023
The Cape Verdeans endured poor scoring as Kenneti Mendes led the Africans with just 11 points in 21 minutes, while Keven Gomes followed suit with ten points in 15 minutes.
Georgia had four players in double figures, as Italian-based power forward Tornike Shengelia led the charge with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze also poured in 15 points along with 11 rebounds and two steals off the bench for the side’s only double-double.
Alexander Mamukelashvili of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while 31-year-old shooting guard Duda Sanadze finished with 12 points in 20 minutes.
The defeat for Cape Verde means they get one point and currently sit second in Group F pending the result between Slovenia and Venezuela, while Georgia gets the maximum two points and towers atop the group.
Cape Verde will play Venezuela in their next game on Monday, August 28, before the Georgians take on fellow Europeans Slovenia on the same day.
