Georgia Women Dominate Andorra in Opening Match of FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries

The Georgia Women's national basketball team opened their campaign in the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries with an emphatic 78-57 victory over Andorra on June 28, 2026. Played at a packed arena in Tbilisi, the home side used a decisive second-half surge to break open what had been a competitive first half, setting the tone for their tournament ambitions.

Match Overview

Georgia entered the contest as one of the favorites in the small-nation competition, and they quickly justified that billing. Andorra, known for their disciplined defense, kept the score close in the opening quarters, trailing by just 38-35 at halftime. However, Georgia's superior depth and athleticism took over after the break. A dominant 24-10 third quarter effectively ended the contest, as the hosts outran and outmuscled the visitors.

Key Performances

• Georgia's Scoring Leaders: Forward Nino Korsantia led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 9-of-16 from the field, while adding 8 rebounds. Guard Mariam Kukhianidze contributed 18 points and 6 assists, controlling the tempo.
• Andorra's Resistance: Guard Claudia Pujol scored a team-high 16 points, but lacked consistent support. Forward Laia Ribas added 11 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
• Rebounding Edge: Georgia dominated the glass 44-29, capturing 15 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points.

Tactical Story

Georgia's full-court press in the third quarter disrupted Andorra's rhythm, forcing 8 turnovers that were converted into easy fast-break baskets. Andorra's offense, which relied heavily on pick-and-roll actions, struggled to find open looks against Georgia's switched defense. The home team also shot 48% from two-point range compared to Andorra's 35%.

Tournament Implications

With this win, Georgia takes an early lead in Group A, strengthening their case for a semifinal berth. Andorra will need to bounce back quickly in their next match against Malta to keep their knockout hopes alive. The victory also marks Georgia's first win in the competition since 2019, signaling a potential return to the top of the small-nation rankings.