Israel Women's Basketball Team Suffers EuroBasket Qualifier Loss to Poland

The Israeli women's national basketball team lost to Poland 75-64 in Riga on Monday, in the second stage of EuroBasket qualifiers. Despite a strong start and holding a double-digit lead, Israel faltered in the final quarter, allowing Poland to secure a significant victory. Alissa Baron led Israel with 19 points, while Yarden Gerzon added 11. Poland's Claudia Vonorobvska was the game's top scorer with 21 points.

Israel, which had a perfect record in the first stage and added EuroLeague players like Romi Levi and Yarden Gerzon, seemed in control for much of the game. Baron, a free agent who played for Elitzur Holon last season before an injury, was instrumental in keeping Israel competitive. The team also dealt with an ankle injury to Dorian Chen Svitz. At halftime, the score was tied 34-34, with Gerzon hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer.

In the third quarter, Israel built a 10-point lead, fueled by Baron's scoring and contributions from Abi Meyers and Shir Tirosh. However, Poland mounted a comeback, capitalizing on Israel's offensive struggles and defensive lapses. Daniel Raber, who had a strong first stage, recorded 15 rebounds but the team's offense stalled, scoring only 7 points in the final quarter.

The loss puts pressure on Israel, which needs to finish in the top two of its group to qualify for the European Championship. The team will host Turkey on Saturday and then travel to Montenegro on Tuesday. The next qualifying window is in February.