Into the semifinals for the first time! Israel’s U20 Women’s National Team defeated Poland 80-79 in a thrilling quarterfinal to secure its place in the semifinals of the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship for the first time in history. Gal Raviv delivered another sensational performance with 37 points, including seven three-pointers. Israel will now face either Croatia or Belgium in the semifinals.

This is arguably the greatest achievement in the history of Israeli women’s basketball. Israel’s U20 Women’s National Team booked its place among Europe’s final four with a dramatic victory over Poland. Israel came out firing, led by Gal Raviv, who knocked down five three-pointers and scored 15 points in the opening quarter. Poland responded in the second quarter by taking complete control inside the paint, opening up a double-digit lead.

Tal Natan’s squad fought to stay in the game and opened the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run to tie the score. From there, the game remained neck-and-neck until the closing moments, when Raviv took over offensively while Maya Elmalich made several huge defensive plays to help seal the victory. Israel is now among the top four teams in Europe, with Saturday’s semifinal against the winner of Belgium and Croatia.

Raviv scored 37 points, Maya Zilbershlag added 16 points and Ayala Oren scored 13 points in the win.

Tal Natan, the head coach of the Israeli U20 women’s national team, “Sometimes dreams come true and today we made a dream come true. I believe that good things happen to good people, to a united coaching staff, and to outstanding players for whom the sky is the limit. We still have two long days ahead of us and two more games to go all the way. A medal is not a dirty word, and we’re aiming for another victory, that’s our goal.

“We’ve come a long way, and the players are on an incredible journey. Every win continues to elevate women’s basketball. I’ll say it again: humility is the one word that defines our players. We still have things we need to improve if we want to keep progressing. Our job isn’t finished yet. We’re waiting for our next opponents with our heads held high. Am Yisrael Chai.”

Gal Raviv opened the game with a trio of triples and together with Maya Zilbershlag helped Israel build a 15-10 lead after five minutes. Raviv added two more triples in the opening quarter as Poland failed to convert from beyond the arc despite getting quality looks and Israel led 23-16 after the first quarter. Poland came out strong in the second quarter, knocking down three straight three-pointers to tie the game at 31-31 with six minutes remaining in the half. Maya Zilbershlag answered with an important three, but Poland’s momentum continued as it took a 38-34 lead. Even a timeout by Tal Natan couldn’t slow the Polish run and Poland went into halftime ahead 48-40.

Israel opened the third quarter well, with baskets from Gal Raviv and Maya Zilbershlag cutting the deficit to 51-46. Poland answered once again from long range as they took a 65-58 lead into the final frame. Israel stormed into the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run in the opening minute and a half to tie the game. The drama continued as the teams traded baskets and an unsportsmanlike foul on Gal Raviv tied the score at 71-71.

Both teams struggled offensively before Poland converted free throws to move ahead 75-73 as Israel missed three consecutive attempts from beyond the arc before Raviv scored an easy transition layup. She then calmly converted at the free-throw line and after a huge defensive play by Maya Elmalich, Raviv added two more free throws to give Israel a 80-76 lead with 22 seconds remaining. Poland managed to hit a three-pointer with less than a second left, but it was too little, too late as Israel punched their ticket to the semifinals.