Türkiye Beats Israel for Second Straight Win in Group I

Türkiye beat Israel 76-67 in Riga, Latvia, on Saturday, earning its second consecutive win in Group I of the second round of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers.

Türkiye started the game well. Scoring seven straight points in the fourth minute, the team took a 10-4 lead and finished the first period ahead 22-10, with accurate shooting from beyond the three-point line as well.

Opening the second period with an 8-0 run to extend its lead, Türkiye limited Israel's scoring chances. In the 15th minute, the team made good use of the paint, and Elif Bayram's basket pushed the lead to 35-22. With contributions from Alperi Onar and Meltem Yıldızhan, Türkiye went into the break ahead 47-29.

In the third period, Türkiye extended its lead to 20 points, reaching 60-40. Toward the end of the period, Israel closed the gap with a nine-point run, but Türkiye entered the final period ahead 60-49. In the fourth period, Israel was effective in the paint and cut the deficit to nine points, 64-55, in the 36th minute. In the final minutes, as Israel tried consecutive three-pointers, Gökşen Fitik made her crucial free throws, keeping Türkiye's advantage intact.

For Türkiye, Fitik led with 18 points, while Beren Burke and Alperi Onar each added 11. For Israel, Yarden Zipel was the top scorer with 19 points. Türkiye will visit Poland for its group game on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT.