Final series of the Superleague has started in Kutaisi. Last year’s vice-champion Kutaisi, who took the first place in the current regular championship, lost at home against Delta, which means the score in the series is 0:1 and they have also lost a court advantage. The first half of the match was quite equal and it ended with Kutaisi’s 1-points leadership – 39:38. Third period was the most important though, Delta won the quarter by 13 points – 32:19 and gained a 12-points leadership before the decisive period.
Kutaisi did their best in the final quarter but they weren’t able to demobilize Delta, who was playing very stable game. Lapanashvili’s team didn’t lose concentration until the end. Accordingly, the hosts only managed to reduce the difference to 5 points. Eventually, Delta won 90:83 and took a big step towards championship.
Delta, trained by Leqso Lapanashvili and Davit Artsividze, is the most balanced team in the Superleague, while Kutaisi has a trouble about injuries. Kote Tughushi’s team is missing 3 leading players – De Juan Wright, Levan Patsatsia and Terrens Thompson. So going to the finals is already a good result on this background. However, Kutaisi is doing its best to make last year’s achievement better. There is a second match of the final series tomorrow in Kutaisi. The hosts should win this game to retain real chances.
Today Delta played a teamgame traditionally. 5 players scored more than 10 points, the best of which was Eric Nottage with 19 points, 8 steals, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Malcolm Drumwright had 16 points. Saba Lobjanidze and Beqa Beqauri scored 14-14 points each. Akaki Dvalishvili was the most effective with 24 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists in Kutaisi. Giorgi Barbaqadze and Jonathan Lee had 19-19 points each.
The second match of the final series will be held on May 24, 18:30 at Kutaisi Sports Palace.
