The Israel National Women’s team fell to Latvia 62-56 to open up Eurobasket 2023 qualifying which will in part take place in the Holy Land.

The Blue & White raced out to a big 20-6 lead after ten minutes thanks to fine play by 17-year old Yarden Garzon. However, the visitors came right back to pull to within 2-points 32-30 at halftime as Anete Steinberga and Eline Babkina led the way.

The second half saw the Latvians take full control of the game as Kitija Laksa also put in points while Eden Rotberg and Alexandra Cohen tried to keep Israel close but the visitors took the victory.

Garzon led Sharon Drucker’s team with 16p, Rotberg added 11 points and Cohen checked in with 10 points in the loss. Steinberga was the game’s high scorer with 24 points, Babkina chipped in with 18 points and Laksa scored 16 points in the win.