Georgia defeats Lithuania in its first Eurobasket 2017 match

Georgia's national basketball team began its Eurobasket 2017 European Basketball Championship on a high by surprisingly defeating one of the favourites of the tournament Lithuania.

Entertaining crowds at their first Eurobasket 2017 match in Israel with a closely contested game, the Georgian team finished the match with a final score 79-77.

What a game! @_GeoBasketball defeat Group B favorites @musukrepsinis 79-77.https://t.co/m0Y43f8vARpic.twitter.com/4mT3ZXxdjc

— FIBA (@FIBA) August 31, 2017

In the second period of the game an unpleasant incident saw Georgia’s point guard Giorgi Tsintsadze suffer an ankle injury. He could not continue the match.

Georgia's point guard Giorgi Tsintsadze had to leave the game early due to a ankle injury. Photo: Eurobasket 2017.

Forward Tornike Shengelia was in a high-scoring form this evening, contributing 29 points to the effort.

Celebrating the historic win. Photo: Eurobasket 2017.

Looking ahead, Georgia will take on Germany in its next Eurobasket game on September 2.

The European championship celebrates its 40th edition in Finland, Israel, Romania and Turkey from August 31-September 17.