Israel booked their place in the EuroBasket 2025 knockout rounds with a 92-89 win over Belgium on Tuesday in Katowice.
The result lifted Israel to 3-1 in Group D, guaranteeing passage to Riga for the Final Phase. Belgium dropped to 1-3 and remain on the outside of the qualification picture.
Israel controlled the first half behind the efficient play of Deni Avdija and Roman Sorkin. The duo combined for 24 points before halftime, fueling a 21-point cushion that looked decisive.
Avdija finished with 22 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. The Portland Trail Blazers forward became the first Israeli player since Oded Kattash in 1997 to record three or more 20-point games in a single EuroBasket tournament.
Sorkin was nearly flawless, hitting 6 of 7 from inside the arc and a perfect 6 of 6 at the free-throw line for 18 points and 4 rebounds. His inside presence gave Israel the balance to withstand Belgium’s late surge.
The Lions refused to fold, erasing most of the deficit with a fourth-quarter run built on transition scoring and quick offensive sets. They closed within three points at 90-87 with eight seconds left.
Yam Madar sealed the outcome from the free-throw line, converting both attempts to keep Israel’s advantage intact. He closed with 10 points and 7 assists in 31 minutes.
Belgium’s Hans Vanwijn nearly stole the spotlight, posting 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. Loic Schwartz added 14 points, while Emmanuel Lecomte also chipped in 15.
Statistically, Israel shot 49 percent from the field and 84 percent at the line, compared to Belgium’s 53 percent overall. Despite being outshot, Israel’s early dominance and composure in crunch time proved decisive.
Tomer Ginat added a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds for Israel, giving coach Ariel Beit-Halahmy another steady contributor.
With the win, Israel join Poland in securing advancement from Group D. France, Slovenia, and Belgium now face decisive contests in the closing round to determine their knockout fates.
