The Israel Men’s National Basketball Team fell 92-86 to Germany on Friday night in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers as the blue-and-white’s record dropped to 2-3 in the first group stage ahead of their final game at Croatia on Monday. In what was a home game that was played in Riga, Latvia due to the security situation in the Holy Land, Ariel Beit Halachmi’s squad trailed by a significant margin for most of the game, but a late fourth-quarter comeback made things interesting before the reigning world champions ultimately held on for the victory.

Germany came out firing on all cylinders while Israel struggled to match the pace, opening up a double-digit lead within the first few minutes. Yam Madar scored Israel’s first points and although the gap narrowed toward the end of the opening quarter, Germany still led 23-15 after 10 minutes of play. The world champions came out of halftime in dominant fashion, extending their lead beyond 20 points while Germany took a commanding 74-57 advantage into the fourth quarter.

The opening minutes of the final period appeared destined to be little more than garbage time, but Israel mounted an impressive comeback behind Madar along with Khadeen Carrington and Tomer Ginat. However, the rally came too late as Germany secured the 92-86 win.

Madar scored 31 points, Carington added 21 points while Ginat put in 16 points in the loss while Dennis Schroder scored 21 points, Christian Sengfelder scored 16 points and Kay Bruhnke chipped in with 15 points in the win.

“I’m proud of the players and I’m proud of where we are,” Israel Head Coach Ariel Beit Halachmi began. “Obviously, it wasn’t enough to beat a team of this caliber. We struggled on the boards, but especially with their 3-point shooting, they shot a very high percentage. Now we’re looking ahead to the next game and every game is different. You can’t assume that because of one quarter you’ll be able to carry it over. It’s a different team with a different style. They’re a very good and talented team and it’s also a road game in front of their crowd.”

Yair Kravitz added, “We had a great fourth quarter, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. We struggled with their physicality and their three-point shooting. I think we have plenty to be proud of with the way we finished the game, but unfortunately it still wasn’t enough to win. We’ll go to Croatia determined to give everything we have and earn a victory. We know it won’t be easy, but we’ll come ready to give 100%, just like we do in every game.”

Germany raced out to a 10-0 lead as Israel looked stunned and struggled to keep up. Madar got Israel on the board with a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 12-4. Israel managed to trim the margin late in the quarter, but Germany responded and led 23-15 after the opening 10 minutes. Germany pushed its lead back to double digits early in the second quarter before Ginat answered with a 3-pointer to bring Israel back within single digits. Israel cut the deficit to just four points 33-29, but Germany responded with a 12-6 run to restore a double-digit cushion and headed into halftime ahead 45-37.

The reigning world champions dominated the third quarter and after free throws by Dennis Schroder they built up a 60-42 advantage. The lead eventually surpassed 20 points and Germany entered the fourth quarter comfortably ahead 74-57. It seemed the outcome was no longer in doubt, but Madar continued his outstanding performance, combining with Ginat and Carrington to spark a furious comeback that cut the deficit to single digits. Despite the late surge, Germany held on for the 92-86 victory.