Last update - 00:00 06/09/2007
Israel defeats Serbia in preliminary round of EuroBasket 2007
By Matan Krakow, Haaretz Correspondent and News Agencies
Even after one of the best games of his life, Yaniv Green was characteristically quiet, peaceful and relaxed. Wednesday, he led Israel to an 87-83 victory over Serbia in its third and final game of the Preliminary Round at EuroBasket 2007, which clinched a spot in the next stage.
"We had a problem at the beginning believing that we could win this game because of what happened against Russia [a 90-56 loss on Tuesday night]," he said softly and slowly. "But in the second half, we showed a lot of determination. Every one gave 100 percent of himself because we knew that these could be our last 20 minutes together. Now we can continue together for at least a few more days."
Israel, which took control of the game in the third quarter by outscoring Serbia 25-15, was the last squad to reach the European championship, winning seven of eight additional qualifying games last month.
"In the locker room during halftime, we talked only about defense," said coach Zvi Sherf. "We can't score 90 points every game, but this time good defense in the second half gave us confidence on offense, too."
Israel during the second quarter was a completely different team. Green finished offensive plays as a trailer, shooting from about halfway out and going to the free-throw line again and again, finishing 10-for-11 from the charity stripe.
Guy Pnini put on a defensive show against Milan Gurovic, who led his team with 19 points but was only 6-of-17 from the field. "The entire team stopped Gurovic, not just me," Pnini said. "Altogether, we played amazing on defense."
Israel ended the Preliminary Round with a 1-2 record, while Serbia lost its third game. As Yugoslavia, the team won eight gold medals between 1973 and 2001.
"It's all my fault, and I take the full responsibility. I picked the players so I can't blame them," Serbia coach Zoran Slavnic said.
Russia claimed first place in Group A with a 61-53 victory over Greece last night.
The top three teams from the four groups move into two groups of six in the Qualifying Round, with the results from the first round carrying over.
In Palma de Mallorca, Sarunas Jasikevicius steered Lithuania to the top spot in Group C with an 84-80 win over Germany. The 31-year-old former Maccabi Tel Aviv player turned in another inspirational display with 15 points, four rebounds and 10 assists, eclipsing Germany forward Dirk Nowitzki, who notched 28 points and nine rebounds.