Israel beats Belgium to advance at EuroBasket and Greece loses as Giannis rests

By Canadian Press on September 2, 2025.

KATOWICE, Poland (AP) — Deni Avdija led the way again with 22 points as Israel advanced to the knockout stage at EuroBasket with a 92-89 win over Belgium on Tuesday.

The Portland Trail Blazers forward starred on Sunday with 23 points when Israel stunned Paris Olympics silver medalist France 82-69. This time, Maccabi Tel Aviv center Roman Sorkin backed him up with 18 points.

Israel led by 21 points at one stage in the Polish city of Katowice before Belgium closed the gap.

With four seconds left, Yam Madar sank two free throws to give Israel a 92-87 lead and ensure a tense victory that put Israel provisionally top of Group D.

Loic Schwartz hit four three-pointers among his 14 points for Belgium.

Later Tuesday in Group D, France faced co-host Poland and Slovenia took on rock-bottom Iceland, while defending champion Spain played Italy in Group C in the Cypriot city of Limassol.

Antetokounmpo rests and Greece loses

Also in Group C, Greece lost 80-77 to Bosnia and Herzegovina for its first defeat.

The Greeks had already qualified for the last 16 and star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was rested in Limassol because of some knee discomfort.

Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis told Greek public broadcaster ERT that Antetokounmpo should be available to play Thursday against Spain.

Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic and John Roberson both had 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which improved to 2-2 in the group phase.

Co-host Cyprus faced Georgia later Tuesday.

The top four from each group contest the knockout phase in Riga, Latvia, from Sept. 6-14.

Spain beat France 88-76 in the 2022 final.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

The Associated Press