The Israel Under-20 Women’s team made a dramatic comeback to defeat Czechia 74-73 and even their group stage record to 1-1 in European Championship action. Down 57-52 after thirty minutes of play, the blue-and-white led by Hila Karsh (17p), Noga Ettinger (15p) and Emma Rinat 14 along with Tamar Singer (10a) and Naama Halevy (9p) were able to overcome the deficit with and 8-0 run and key baskets down the stretch to snatch the 1-point win. Next up is Portugal on Tuesday to finish up the round robin as the team will then play in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

The Israel Under-18 Men’s Basketball Team fell in dramatic fashion to Turkey 90-88 to finish in 6th place in the European Championships. The young blue-and-white were down 64-56 as the game headed into the final frame but Sharon Avrahami’s crew didn’t have enough to top their foes at the wire. Shachar Doron had a heroic contest with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, Alon Michaeli chopped in with 22 points and Omer Mayer added 21 points in the defeat.

“It was a disaappoitning end to a terrific tournament,” Avrahami said. “We are very proud of what we accomplished ad I want to acknowledge the entire staff that gave the best possible conditions to the players. I’m very proud of the players and that we represented the country with pride. We showed a lot of character and recorded some big victories along the way.”