Ukraine’s national basketball team achieves historic milestone in matchup against Georgia

A timeline of basketball clashes between Ukraine and Georgia

According to Главком: The basketball rivalry between Ukraine and Georgia dates back to 2011, when the two sides first met on the court. Their first major encounter occurred at EuroBasket 2011, where Georgia defeated Ukraine 69:53. That loss was a bitter disappointment for the Ukrainian squad, as they finished fifth in their group and failed to advance further in the tournament.

The teams next faced off at EuroBasket 2017. This time, Ukraine secured their first official victory over Georgia, winning 88:81. The win marked a turning point for Ukrainian basketball, signaling the team’s resurgence after their earlier defeat.

In 2021, during qualification for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Ukraine fell to Georgia 88:83. Prior to the game, Ukraine lost center Volodymyr Gerun to injury. Despite the loss, Vyacheslav Petrov posted 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Ted McFadden led the team with 27 points, hitting 7 of 13 three-point attempts.

Victories and upcoming matchups

A second meeting between the two sides took place in 2022 on neutral ground in Riga. Ukraine claimed a commanding 79:66 victory at the Xiaomi Arena. The match was relocated due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine’s bench-including Bobrov, Sanon, and Tkachenko-contributed 34 points, while Georgia’s reserves managed just 8 points.

Most recently, in 2025, Ukraine and Georgia met again during qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Ukraine triumphed 92:79, with Oleksandr Kovliar delivering a standout performance: 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. The game also marked the final appearance for Georgia’s Giorgi Shermadini in a national team jersey.

Looking ahead, the next matchup between Ukraine and Georgia is scheduled for July 2, 2026, in Riga. This contest is expected to add another compelling chapter to their increasingly competitive rivalry.

The basketball rivalry between Ukraine and Georgia reflects not only athletic competition but also the cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Frequent meetings underscore the growing popularity of basketball in both countries and help drive the sport’s development. The upcoming 2026 game will offer both teams another chance to showcase their progress and determination to win.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming clash, fans are eager to learn more about the recently announced roster of the Ukrainian team for the crucial World Cup 2027 qualifier against Georgia. This matchup promises to be pivotal in the ongoing rivalry, especially considering the historical context of their previous encounters.