The Israel Under-20 Women’s National Team recorded a huge win on Tuesday night over Lithuania, last summer’s European Championship runners-up. Israel trailed for 39 minutes, but a clutch 3-pointer by Ayala Oren in the final minute completed the comeback, handing Israel the victory and second place in Group A. Gal Raviv delivered another outstanding performance, finishing with 35 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Following the win, Israel will face the team that finishes third in Group B on Wednesday in the Round of 16.

Tal Natan, the national team head coach said, “We earned another important victory for the national team. I’m proud of the team for another win that keeps us moving in the right direction. At the European Championship, humility is the key word right now and we have to stay focused. This is a very tough tournament and I’m happy for our women’s basketball. We’ll do everything we can tomorrow to win another game, which will essentially determine our fate. I’m proud of our staff and our players.”

The opening minutes of the game were quite shaky, with both teams struggling offensively. Gal Raviv put Israel on the scoreboard with a mid-range jumper, but Lithuania recovered first, taking a 12-7 lead and forcing Tal Natan to call a timeout with 4:09 remaining in the first quarter. The hosts stretched the margin to double digits before a Raviv 3-pointer slowed the momentum, as Lithuania led 21-12 at the end of the opening period.

Raviv stayed hot in the second quarter, knocking down two more three-pointers, while another triple by Maayan Cohen cut the deficit to 25-21 with seven minutes left in the half. The low-scoring pace favored Israel, and another layup by Raviv, who had 15 first-half points, forced Lithuania to take a timeout with the score at 29-26 and 2:07 remaining before halftime. Israel missed several good opportunities, allowing Lithuania to go on a 6-0 run, but Maayan Cohen answered with another buzzer-beating three to close the half, with Lithuania leading 35-29.

Last year’s European runners-up opened the second half strongly and once again built a double-digit advantage. Points from Cohen and Mai Baico kept Israel within striking distance at 44-36 four minutes into the third quarter. Israel’s offense then went cold, going 3:10 without scoring, and Lithuania capitalized by extending its lead to 49-36. Israel responded with a 9-2 run to end the quarter, cutting the deficit to 53-47 heading into the final 10 minutes.

Lithuania again took control early in the fourth quarter, using its size advantage inside to build a 60-50 lead with 6:35 remaining. Israel tightened its defense and began to rally. Three consecutive 3-pointers by Oren, Raviv, and Zilbershlag cut the gap to just three points, 64-61. Israel continued to battle, and Beiko made two free throws to tie the game at 66-66 with a minute and a half to play.

Ayala Oren became the hero down the stretch, drilling a huge triple and then came up with a steal that led to an easy basket, giving Israel its first lead of the game, 71-68. Lithuania answered to pull within one and with 3.2 seconds remaining, earned two free throws but converted only one. After Lithuania lost possession, Tal Natan called a timeout. Out of the break, Raviv was fouled, calmly sank both free throws and sealed Israel’s remarkable 74-71 victory.

Gal Raviv scored 35 points, Maya Zilbershlag added 13 points and Maayan Cohen scored 12 points in the win.