Israel Basketball Team Eliminated From World Cup Qualifiers After Loss to Poland

The Israeli national basketball team lost to Poland on Thursday in Riga, Latvia, ending its hopes of qualifying for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar. The match, which opened the second group stage of the World Cup qualifiers, saw Israel defeated 106-86 by Poland, who remain undefeated with a 7-0 record. Israel entered the game with a 2-4 record, ranked last in the group, but still had a theoretical chance to advance by overtaking Poland, the group leader.

Israel played without two of its NBA stars, Deni Avdija and Ben Sharf, but featured players Tamir Blatt, Yam Madar, and Roman Sorkin. Despite some strong moments from Sorkin, Israel struggled defensively, allowing Poland to build a double-digit lead within six minutes and extend it to 22 points by the third quarter. With five rounds remaining in the qualifiers, Israel’s elimination marks its first absence from the World Cup since 1986. The team now aims to restore some pride in the remaining games, reflecting broader challenges in Israeli basketball.

Summary: Israel’s basketball team was eliminated from the 2023 World Cup qualifiers after a 106-86 loss to Poland in Riga, ending their chance to compete in Qatar. The defeat leaves Israel without a World Cup appearance since 1986, highlighting difficulties in the national program.