Israel Women's Basketball Team Suffers EuroBasket Qualifier Loss to Poland
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The Israeli women's national basketball team lost their opening EuroBasket qualifier match to Poland 75-64 in Riga. Despite holding a lead, Israel collapsed in the fourth quarter, allowing Poland to secure the win. Alissa Baron scored 19 points for Israel, but the team struggled offensively in the final period. Israel faces tough upcoming games against Turkey and Montenegro with qualification for the European Championship on the line.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's women's basketball team lost to Poland 75-64 in a EuroBasket qualifier.
- The team collapsed in the fourth quarter, allowing Poland to secure a decisive victory.
- Alissa Baron led Israel with 19 points, but the team struggled offensively late in the game.
- Israel faces crucial upcoming matches against Turkey and Montenegro.
- Only the top two teams in the group will qualify for the EuroBasket tournament.
The Israeli women's national basketball team began the final stage of EuroBasket qualifiers with a disappointing 75-64 loss to Poland in Riga on Monday. Despite holding a double-digit lead earlier in the game, Israel faltered in the final quarter, allowing Poland to secure a significant victory.
Alissa Baron led the Israeli team with 19 points, playing as a free agent after finishing last season with Elitzur Holon due to injury. The team also saw contributions from EuroLeague representatives Romi Levi of Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, making her national team debut, and Jordan Garzon of Zaragoza, returning to the squad for the first time since 2023. Garzon hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to tie the game at 34-34 by halftime.
Israel showed promise in the third quarter with aggressive defense and strong offensive play from Baron, supported by Avi Mayer and Shirel Tirosh, building a lead that reached 10 points. However, Poland remained competitive and responded with their own run. Claudia Vonorowska was a key player for Poland, scoring 21 points and proving difficult for Israel to contain throughout the game.
In the fourth quarter, Israel's offense stalled, scoring only 7 points. Daniel Rebar, who had an impressive performance in the first group stage with 15 rebounds, struggled offensively. The team, coached by Shira Elion, appeared to freeze under Polish pressure in the crucial final moments, leading to Poland's decisive 26-9 run in the quarter.
This loss puts pressure on Israel as they prepare for two more critical upcoming matches. They will host a strong Turkish team on Saturday and then travel to face Montenegro on Tuesday. Only the top two teams from the group will qualify for the European Championship later this summer, with the next qualifying window scheduled for February.
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