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Israel has already picked up wins over Iceland and France in group play, with the latter seen as a significant upset.
By Shula Rosen
Israel’s national basketball team secured a spot in the EuroBasket knockout round for the first time in a decade with a 92-89 victory over Belgium on Sunday.
Led by standout forward Deni Avdija and center Roman Sorkin, the team has shown strong form throughout the group stage in Katowice, Poland. Israel now joins 15 other national teams in advancing to the final round of the European championship, marking its first trip past the group phase since 2015.
Avdija contributed 22 points in the win against Belgium, while Sorkin added 18 and played a key role in maintaining Israel’s lead through most of the game. Belgium mounted a late push, narrowing the gap to three points with eight seconds remaining, but Israel held on by converting free throws in the final moments.
“I felt in rhythm and got the ball where I needed it,” Sorkin said. “My teammates put me in good positions, and I’m glad I was able to finish and keep the energy up for the team.”
Israel has already picked up wins over Iceland and France in group play, the latter seen as a significant upset. Its only loss came in a tight 66-64 contest against host Poland on August 30.
The team wraps up group play on Thursday against Slovenia before heading to Riga, Latvia, where the final phase of the tournament is set to begin Saturday. Germany, Turkey and Serbia also have qualified, each finishing the group stage undefeated.
Israel last reached the knockout stage in 2015 but was eliminated in the first round after a heavy defeat to Italy. This year’s squad will look to change that narrative as it prepares for the next round of competition. Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too! Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion. Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
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