LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - Israel made more history at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 as the debutant reached their first-ever Quarter-Finals by beating Cameroon.
Israel rallied from 13 points down to defeat the African side 86-82 and will next face Slovenia in the final eight. Omer Mayer was spectacular with 33 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds.
Israel looked be destined for a big loss as Cameroon opened a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Israel tried to fight back into the game but the Africans still led 58-44 with 4 minutes to go in the third quarter. Cameroon allowed Israel to go on a 17-2 run and trailed 61-60.
The rest of the game was tight and Cameroon were down just 81-80 with 10 seconds to go when Yaron Goldman buried a corner three. He then added two free throws to ice the game with 2 seconds left.
Omer Mayer led the way with 33 points and Oren Sahar chippped in 12 points in the win.
"I don't really have words. We are just trying to play with honor and put it all on the court. I'm just happy we were able to get the win and maybe make some people back home happy," said Mayer.
The Israel game against Slovenia in the Quarter-Finals is a re-match of the Third Place Game at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024, which Slovenia won 84-70.
Israel defeated hosts Switzerland 102-77 in their opening game of the tournament for the country's first win in their first appearance on the global stage. The Israels then knocked off Dominican Republic 80-76 in the final game of the group stage.
FIBA