Akhaltsikhe secured a hard-fought 78-74 home win over Iverion in the Georgia Super League on Friday, October 23, 2026, closing out the game at the free-throw line after a tense final minute.

In a matchup that featured 11 lead changes, neither side could establish a comfortable advantage until the closing stages. Akhaltsikhe’s late execution and rebounding proved decisive, allowing the home team to protect its court and claim an important result in the Georgian top flight.

Match overview

Akhaltsikhe led 20-18 after the first quarter, but Iverion responded with a 21-18 second period to take a one-point lead into halftime. The third quarter belonged to the home side, which used a 19-16 edge to reclaim momentum. The final period was tight throughout, with Akhaltsikhe making the bigger plays down the stretch to secure a four-point victory.

Key moments

• Iverion hit back-to-back three-pointers late in the second quarter to briefly take the lead.
• Akhaltsikhe opened the fourth with a 6-0 run to move ahead 63-64? No, the run pushed the hosts into a narrow lead.
• With 90 seconds remaining, Akhaltsikhe forced a turnover and converted it into a fast-break layup.
• Iverion missed a contested three-pointer that would have tied the game with 12 seconds left.
• Akhaltsikhe sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds.

Tactical story

Akhaltsikhe built its win on paint scoring and offensive rebounding. The home team repeatedly attacked the basket against Iverion’s switching defense and generated second-chance points through active work on the glass. Defensively, Akhaltsikhe did a solid job of contesting Iverion’s perimeter looks in the final five minutes, forcing the visitors into difficult late shot attempts. Iverion’s offense was at its best when it played through the high post, but the visitors struggled to sustain that rhythm after halftime. The game ultimately came down to execution, and Akhaltsikhe was more composed in the closing possessions.

Standout players

Giorgi Beridze led Akhaltsikhe with 24 points and 10 rebounds, delivering several crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Guard Luka Maisuradze added 17 points and five assists, while center Zurab Kiknadze controlled the boards with 12 rebounds. For Iverion, Levan Kvaratskhelia scored 22 points, and Nika Tsertsvadze contributed 15 points and seven assists in a losing cause.

Season impact

The win helps Akhaltsikhe keep pace in the Georgia Super League playoff race and underlines the value of protecting home court in a competitive league. Iverion leaves with a narrow defeat but remains a dangerous opponent thanks to its perimeter shooting and balanced scoring. Both teams will take lessons from a game that was decided by small margins, with Akhaltsikhe’s late poise proving the difference.