TALLINN (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Sten Sokk is leading Estonia in scoring and assists as they have collected two home victories at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.

And the point guard values the national team windows as a chance for a change of scenery.

Sokk collected 8 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals as Estonia raced past Israel 78-62 at home to improve to 2-2 in Group H of the European Qualifiers.

"I think we cannot lose focus because only half of the job is done in this group," said Sokk, who is averaging 12.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in the first four games. "We knew if we wanted to advance then we had to at least win our home games, but I think we still could have done better in our away games. We have to fight to the end in this group to advance."

The second window started for Estonia with an 87-75 loss at Greece. The northern Europeans trailed just 35-29 at halftime but then saw the Greeks pull away in the third quarter with a 26-13 frame.

"We weren't in sync well enough for the first game to beat a team as good as Greece, especially at their home. We made stupid easy mistakes that cost us the game in the third quarter," the 29-year-old conceded. "We needed to pay attention to more details that kept us from competing with them until the end."

More important for Estonia though was the game against Israel played in Tallinn, where they had beaten Great Britain in the first window. And Sokk was pleased with his team's performance, especially after losing to the Israelis by 20 points in their opener of the Qualifiers.

"For me, it is important to win at home whoever the opponent might be. You always have a chance," he said. "Of course it was nice to beat Israel because they crushed us in Tel Aviv two months ago."

"IT'S EASY TO FIND MOTIVATION FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM, WHETHER IT COMES FROM PLAYING AGAINST BETTER TEAMS AND PLAYERS, OR JUST COMING TOGETHER AS A TEAM AND REALLY MAKING AN EFFORT TO REACH AS FAR AS POSSIBLE IN A COMPETITION" SokkSokk

Sokk, who has been playing for Estonia's senior national team since 2011, really enjoys the opportunities afforded by FIBA's New Competition System, as far as the pride of playing for one's country.

"It is easy to find motivation for the national team, whether it comes from playing against better teams and players, or just coming together as a team and really making an effort to reach as far as possible in a competition," Sokk said. "Once you lose that motivation you shouldn't do it any more."

It also is a way to get away and return to his club recharged and ready for the stretch run of the season.

"It's pretty good for players because you can get out of your club's rhythm for 10 days," said Sokk, who plays for Tallinn club Kalev/Cramo. "It can help a lot mentally to have a change of scenery once in a while."

Sokk got a first-hand look at what national team pride looks like when facing Greece star Ioannis Bourousis, who collected 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and 1 block.

"Big names and stars are always important to a sport. People come to see them play and succeed," Sokk said. "We really have to respect the big stars who are willing to help their team."

For Sokk and others, the Qualifiers provide a change of scenery but also a change of perspective.

FIBA