After a disasterous opening game again Greece, FYROM managed to bounce back and with a powerful performance managed to achieve their first win in the tournament.
After a disasterous opening game again Greece, FYROM managed to bounce back and with a powerful performance managed to achieve their first win in the tournament.
Israel started the game better and they took a 1-0 lead, but not for long, having Stefanov in a good day FYROM pulled away 7-11 and had the advantage for some minutes until Israel came back and equaled the game 15-15 with Burstein before regaining the lead 19-17 with Tamir to end the first quarter.
Second quarter started as the first, with Israel scoring first and them maintaining their lead, until FYROM tied it 26-26 with Tasovski's threepointer. Something which gave them wings as they never lost the deal form that point on, until the halft, 39-40. Comiong form the locker rooms with confidence FYROM started the second half better and even managed to establish a small point margin, 43-40 with R. Stefanov's layip. With Massey and Sokolov leading the way FYROM closed the third quarter leading 55-60.
In the last quarter Israel tried to make their ultimate counter attack but FYROM kept their comfortable lead until 63-70. But the famous Israeli fighting spirit made its appearance again, like last night, and the Israelis managed to cut the difference down to two, 70-72, with Eliyahu. With the score at 79-76 for FYROM, 13 seconds to go and with Israel having the inbound pass, Tamir made one of the worst turnovers of his life passing to Sokolov instead. The game was simply finished for Israel at that point. Final score was 82-79 to FYROM.
Israel 79-82 FYROM
Israel: Roth, Mekel 1, Limonad 7, Pnini 2, Halperin 20, Burstein 25, Kozikaro 4, Eliyahu 12, Green 5, Tamir 3
FYROM: Sokolov 9, V. Stefanov 6, V. Stojanovski 3, R. Stefanov 8, Tasovski 5, Gechevski 9, Antic 14, Massey 15, Samardziski 8
Game quotes:
Arsic (FYROM head coach): "It's a very important victory for us. We knew if we lose today we have no chance to go on, so we gave everything we have to make it happen."
Sokolov: "When I went to the line I felt big pressure, because I knew the meaning of those shots. I hope my nation will forgive me for missing one of those shots."
