Peachtree Hoops: 2011 Eurobasket: Zaza Pachulia Injured, Georgia Falls To Bulgaria

[Hawksquawk]

Georgia will need help to advance to the second round of the 2011 Eurobasket after falling to Bulgaria 79-69. Bulgaria outscored Georgia 27-14 in the final quarter to seal the victory and muddy up the picture in Group D. 

Atlanta's Zaza Pachulia suffered some sort of calf/lower leg injury in the first half and emerged from halftime with the injury bandaged. He returned to the court for the second half but left early after the injury flared up again. Pachulia was in for one play in the fourth quarter before he returned to the bench for good. He finished the game with 13 points and six rebounds in just 21 minutes of action. 

Earl Rowland led all scorers in the game with 25 points. Kaloyan Ivanov and Deyan Ivanov each tossed in 15 points each for Bulgaria. Viktor Sanikidze led Georgia with 18 points while Keith Haynes added 15. Manuchar Markoisvili chipped in 13 points.  

Georgia falls to 2-3 and is currently tied with Bulgaria for third place in Group D where the top three teams advance. According to the announcers on the broadcast, Georgia needs Ukraine to defeat Belgium later this afternoon in order for Georgia to advance. If Belgium wins then Bulgaria would advance by virtue of their victory over Georgia. 

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