Israel U18 Girls Basketball Team Secures Third Win Against Bulgaria, Nears Euro Quarterfinals

The Israeli Under-18 girls basketball team secured a decisive 90-67 victory over Bulgaria on August 2, 2026, marking their third consecutive win in the European Championship group stage. Coached by Roy Eisenberg, the team is now almost certain to advance to the quarterfinals, with only an extreme scenario preventing their progression.

Maya Zilbershlag led the Israeli squad with an impressive 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while the team collectively hit 13 three-pointers at a 41 percent success rate. Israel pulled away in the second quarter to establish a double-digit lead and effectively closed the game early in the third quarter with a 10-0 run.

The match started evenly at 7-7, but Israel gained momentum with Zilbershlag and Mika Kanitz contributing key points to lead 22-15 after the first quarter. Bulgaria briefly tied the game at 27-27 in the second quarter, but Israel responded strongly to lead 47-36 at halftime. The third quarter saw Israel extend their lead to 57-36 and maintain dominance through the final period.

Other notable contributors included Maayan Gorin with 16 points, Tamar Carmi scoring 15 points including three three-pointers, Mika Kanitz with 14 points, and Rotem Shtikler providing 10 points and 9 assists. Israel will have a rest day before facing Ukraine in their final group stage game on Tuesday.

Summary: Israel's U18 girls basketball team defeated Bulgaria 90-67 on August 2, 2026, securing their third straight win and nearly guaranteeing a quarterfinal spot in the European Championship. Maya Zilbershlag led with 27 points, and the team excelled in three-point shooting. They will next face Ukraine after a rest day.