Israeli Basketball Fights On: Men Battle Germany, U20 Women Stun Croatia
Israel's basketball squads showed the world what Jewish resilience looks like this weekend. The Men's National Team fell 92-86 to reigning world champions Germany in FIBA World Cup qualification, while the Under-20 Women's National Team delivered a dramatic 87-85 victory over Croatia at the European Championship in Lithuania. Both squads, displaced from Israeli soil due to the ongoing security situation, proved that the blue-and-white spirit cannot be broken.
Men's Squad Falls to World Champions After Fierce Rally
Playing its designated home game in exile in Riga, Latvia, Ariel Beit Halachmi's squad faced the reigning world champions with the courage of David standing before Goliath. Germany opened with a punishing 10-0 run and extended its lead beyond 20 points in the third quarter. But this Israeli team, forged in the furnace of adversity, refused to fold.
Yam Madar ignited a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, finishing with 31 points. Khadeen Carrington added 21, and Tomer Ginat contributed 16 as Israel slashed the deficit to single digits. The late rally ultimately fell short against the world's top-ranked squad, but the fight sent a clear message: Israel never surrenders.
Dennis Schroder led Germany with 21 points, while Christian Sengfelder scored 16 and Kay Bruhnke added 15.