KATOWICE (Poland) - One more spot in the knockout stages of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 found its owner on Tuesday as Israel defeated Belgium 92-89 in Group D action in Katowice.
Israel pulled away in the first half powered by the one-two punch of Deni Avdija and Roman Sorkin and led by as many as 21 points, but had to turn back Belgium in the final stretch, after the Lions fought their way back to make it a single possession game.
Turning Point
Israel had a strong start and went into the final stanza holding a 17-point lead but Belgium upped the pace, managed to score either in transition or within the first seconds of the possession and gradually reduced the deficit to just three points, 90-87 with 8 seconds to go.
It was too late though as Yam Madar kept his composure at the free-throw line to give Ariel Beit-Halahmy's team the win and a ticket to Riga.
TCL Player of the Game
Deni Avdija is Israel reference point on the offensive end, leading the team with personality. Against Belgium, he finished with 22 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. The Portland Trail Blazers forward became the first Israeli player to score 20 or more points in more than three games in a single EuroBasket tournament since Oded Kattash in 1997.
Avdija was perfect from the field in the first quarter, just like his countryman, Roman Sorkin. The Israeli center contributed to his team's win with 18 points (over 6-of-7 from two and 6-of-6 at the line) and 4 rebounds.
Hans Vanwijn had an exceptional game in defeat, as he came up with a near triple-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists.
Stats Don't Lie
Israel were dominant on the glass. They outscored Belgium 44-32 in the paint, and shot 22-of-39 from two-point range. They have also now conceded only 73.8 points per game to their Group D opponents and forced Belgium to look for scoring from the perimeter.
Bottom Line
Israel join Poland as the only two teams from Group D to secure qualification for the Round of 16 in Riga. They look forward to concluding the Group Phase in the best of ways against Slovenia, at 17:00 CET on September 4.
Belgium's last game in Katowice will be against group hosts Poland. Belgium are currently in 5th place in the Group D standings with a 1-3 record. Their only victory was against Iceland, and it might not be enough to get to Riga.
They Said
"We secured our goal, and I'm proud of us. I feel like Roman is very efficient with the way he's playing. He knows what he's doing, and we trust him over there. We know he's gonna be there for us." - Israel's Yam Madar.
"I felt good, I had the touches in the places I wanted. My teammates found me, and I'm happy I made the shots to create the lead and bring the energy for our team." - Israel's Roman Sorkin.
"The biggest regret we have is that we didn't start well. I don't know what happened at the beginning. With the team we have, we need to give our best for 40 minutes. Most of the time, we don't have consistency." - Belgium's Loic Schwartz.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA