When MIA and “Army” went throught the final, it was obvious that the national cup would have a new winner because these clubs played in the final for the first time. “Army” beat its opponent easily and after “Basko”, “Dinamo”, GTU, TSU, “Nikora”, “Energy Invest”, GSAU and “Tbilaviamsheni”, “Army” became the 8th club which won Cup of Georgia.
There were special prizes for the best player and top scorer of the final. Buba Berishvili, player of “Army”, became the best player of the match. He held the first circle in “Kutaisi-2010”. As for the prize of top scorer, Giorgi Sharabidze, another player of “Army”, won it. He scored the most – 17 points and 16 rebounds. He was the only player of this match who made double double.
Berishvili and Sharabidze deserved the mentioned prizes. Buba headed attacks of his teammates perfectly. As for Sharabidze, he played in defense.
Also, good playing of Kote Tugushi and Anatoli Boisa, players of “Army”, is worth mentioning. Tugushi headed attacks of “Army” with Berishvili. Boisa did not let Troy Cotton, American legionary of MIA, score many points. Cotton scored only 8 points.
As for player of MIA, only Besik Lejava (15 points) played well.
Jovelit Tujan-Talba, player of MIA, scored the first point in the match – 2:0. Then Boisa equalized the score, then Berishvili advanced “Army” – 4:2. “Army” won a 6-minute period with 15:0.
Players of Davit Ustiashvili did their best but they could do nothing against “Army” which had a perfect defense. They only managed to reduce the difference up to 5 points.
As it was expected, many fans attended the match.
About 3 minutes before the end of the second half, when players of the clubs started arguing, the match was stopped. But the players calmed down soon.
After the match:
Levan Moseshvili (senior): We were planning to win but we did not expect to reach it so easily.
- How can you explain it?
- With good playing in defense.
- Is “Army” going to participate in European tournaments?
- We have talked about it but it will be difficult for us to compete in European tournaments with this staff. We will have to think about strengthening the staff.
I want to thank the management of the club which helped us to hold a 16-day meeting in Slovenia. I want to tell you that Ministry of Defence is going to form a children’s club.
Buba Berishvili: “I am a new player of “Army” and I held the first official match. In spite of that I never dreamed about being leader but when I was named as the best player, I felt very happy".
Giorgi Sharabidze: I have been training with “Army” for one week. I was greeted well in the team. I want to thank fans who supported us till the end.
Tbilisi. February 1. Sports Palace. The 9th Cup of Georgia. Final
MIA – Army 51:71
(6:18; 18:15; 10:22; 17:16)
MIA: Tsivtsivadze (4), Lejava (15), Cotton (8), Markoishvili, Tujan (2); Lapanashvili (9), Nikoladze (6), Davit Barbakadze (5), Shermadini, Tomaradze (2).
Head coach: Davit Ustiashvili.
Army: Tugushi (8), Buba Berishvili (15), Boisa (11), Atanelishvili (2), Sharabidze (17), Babiashvili (9), Pirvelashvili (2), Levan Moseshvili (5), Sakvarelidze (2).
Head coach: Levan Moseshvili (senior).
Commissar: Roland Khomeriki.
Referees: Maka Kupatadze, Davit Berekashvili.
Roland Labuchidze
