Israel Stun Turkey To Invigorate Hopes

MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) - It's been a hugely positive and productive FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers window for Israel after they came from behind to complete a nerve-shredding and exhilarating 63-62 Group H success against Turkey. 

Turning Point: After trailing 26-12 by the end of the first quarter, it was absolutely imperative that the home side gained a foothold in the game and they did exactly that with a 23-13 second period which changed the reflection of the contest. Although they also had to dodge a potential heartbreaker as Ayse Cora threw-up a last-gasp triple attempt. 

Stats Don't Lie: Turkey missed six free-throws and Israel gobbled up 18 points from 20 Turkish turnovers. 

Game Heroes: There were plenty of options, including Naama Shafir who had 12 points and five assists. Alysha Clark had 16 points and seven rebounds, while Shay Doron added 13 points and seven assists. 

The Bottom Line: This comeback win by Israel has transformed their chances after they moved from 0-2 after a miserable November to 2-2. They showed real guts to come back from their early setback and then the composure to see it out - if only just. Turkey are now 3-1 after their first defeat and will be disappointed to have allowed their early work to go to waste.

They Said: "After three wins we started the game well and my girls thought the story was over and I am guilty that I wanted to share court time with all of them and all of them were in the game. Israel were far more aggressive than us" - Turkey head coach Aziz Akkaya.

"I told them that the Turkish defence scored 36 points in the last three quarters. An average of 12 points per quarter. We have touched every sphere" - Israel head coach Adan Inbar.

"It's a huge win, it is impossible to describe the feeling in words. This is an historic moment which will remain for life" - Israel player Liad Suez Karni.

 FIBA