Israel beats Latvia at EuroBasket

National team scores 91-88 for its first win in Group B at European basketball championship

Reuters | Published: 09.04.11, 18:56

Israel beat Latvia 91-88 for its first win in Group B at the European basketball championship on Sunday on Gal Mekel's two free throws with five seconds left.

Israel needed Mekel's two free throws to secure the game, after Janis Strelnieks had missed two for Latvia. Strelnieks also missed a last-gasp 3-point attempt.

Rihards Kuksiks, who finished with 12 points, made a 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining to bring Latvia within two and Strelnieks could have tied it had he made both free throws.

Lior Eliyaho had 26 points and 10 rebounds for Israel. Janis Blums had 27 points Latvia.

On Friday, Israel dropped to 0-3 in Group B after losing to Serbia 80-89. On Thursday the team lost to France 68-85, and on Wednesday it lost to Germany 64-91.