Euro Basketball: Israel must beat GB to keep hopes alive

After defeats in Bosnia and Czech Republic, Sherf's team needs a EuroBasket win.

By ALLON SINAI
Israel basketball 224.88 (photo credit: AP)
Israel basketball 224.88
(photo credit: AP)
Claiming a victory over Great Britain used to be a foregone conclusion, but on Saturday Israel will be entering its must-win EuroBasket 2009 qualifier in Liverpool as an underdog. The embarrassing 91-70 defeat to the Czech Republic on Wednesday further complicated the national team's already difficult situation in Group D and left the lackluster team with what on current form looks to be an almost impossible task, winning in Liverpool and claiming victories in the final two qualifiers against Bosnia and the Czechs to finish top of the group. "We were a disgrace and I apologize to the State of Israel," guard Raviv Limonad said after the humbling defeat at the hands of the Czechs. "The campaign, however, is not over yet. We must win in England, although it won't be easy to lift our confidence and level of play in such a short time." Israel (1-2) experienced a poor shooting night on Wednesday, hitting just 15 of 36 from two-point range (41.7 percent). But far more worrying was its horrendous rebounding. In an aspect of the game which first and foremost comes down to the desire and will of the players, the team was no match for the Czechs, getting out-rebounded 42-23. "This was our worst game since we have been together. The Czechs 22 offensive rebounds gave them just too many more possessions than we had," Israel assistant coach Roni Bosani said. "We had a bad start in our last two games and decided to make some changes in the starting line up, but it did not work." Had it not been for a lack of concentration by the visitors in the final seconds of its game against Israel at the Nokia Arena last week, Great Britain would be entering Saturday's game with a perfect 3-0 record. The Brits succumbed 102-92 after overtime to Israel, but in its last two matches Chris Finch's team has cruised at home against the Czechs and Bosnia. Chicago Bulls forward Loul Deng (26.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.3 apg) has been outstanding for Britain and, against Bosnia on Wednesday, scored 29 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed five assists. Israel has little chance of slowing down the NBA star and will have to try and stop his teammates, who have also had a hot hand so far in the qualifying campaign, with the team scoring in its first three games 53.6% from two-point range and 46.4% from beyond the arc. "We are in a nice position in the group after a couple of home games," said GB coach Finch. "Still I know from experience there will be a lot of twists in the tale." Also Saturday, Israel's women's team hosts Great Britain in its final 2009 EuroBasket qualifier knowing that a victory will secure it top spot in Group A and clinch its place in the European Championships. Israel suffered a heartbreaking 90-85 loss in overtime to Ukraine on Wednesday, but the team will still be confident of claiming the win it needs against a British team which has won just once in its seven games to date.