Israel fell to Croatia 103-75 in first round World Cup qualifiers. Ariel Beit Halachmi’s squad struggled to cope with the hosts’ size and physicality and was never truly in contention throughout the game.

Just as it did against Germany, Israel got off to a slow start and quickly fell behind 9-0. Khadeen Carrington scored Israel’s first points of the game, but that did little to slow Croatia, which opened up a double-digit lead within minutes. The hosts remained in control throughout the first quarter, and despite a brief response led by Yam Madar, they took a commanding 25-12 advantage into the second period. Croatia continued to pull away in the second quarter, stretching the margin beyond 20 points behind the play of Mario Hezonja. However, five straight points late in the half from Madar and Netanel Artzi helped trim the deficit slightly, sending the teams into the locker room with Croatia leading 47-31.

Adam Ariel came out firing after halftime, scoring in double figures during the third quarter and together with Madar tried to spark an Israeli comeback. Despite their efforts, Croatia continued to play at a high level, maintained its comfortable lead and extended it to 74-51 heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter was essentially one long garbage-time period, with Croatia’s lead growing to as many as 31 points. Israel managed to cut the deficit slightly, but after 40 minutes the scoreboard showed a decisive 103-75 victory for Croatia.

Yam Madar scored 21 points, Adam Ariel added a career high of 17 points with the national team and Netanel Artzi put in 10 points in the loss while Ivica Zubac scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Dario Šarić chipped in with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists while David Škara and Antonio Jordano scored 13 points each in the win.

Next up for the national team is the second stage of World Cup Qualifying coming up at the end of August when the blue-and-white will play teams from the corresponding group that includes, Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia and Austria. Israel’s 2-4 record is also carried forward for the second group stage.

Israel National Team Head Coach Ariel Beit Halahmi spoke about the defeat, “It was a tough loss, no doubt about it. We didn’t play well and overall the game was completely under their control. Our chances are slim, but we can’t give up. This is the Israeli national team and I hope that in the next window we’ll have our best players available. Despite all the difficulties, they have to come this time. We need everyone. At the end of the day, this is Israeli basketball and this is the Israel National Team. This loss is disappointing and unacceptable and it’s time for the players to take responsibility for this as well.”