Serbia Refuse To Lose

Turning Point: Israel, trailing 77-71, got a drive by Yotam Halperin and then a three-point play by Afik Nissim to close the gap to one. Instead of cracking, Serbia captain Nenad Krstic replied with a jump hook and two free-throws to turn back Arik Shivek's team.

Game Hero: Dusko Savanovic led Serbia with 24 points and hit a three-ball with 1:03 to play for an 84-76 lead to all but seal victory.

Stats Don't Lie: Serbia out-rebounded Israel 44-27 and nine second-chance points to just two for the opponents.

It's one thing to lead Serbia during a game, and something else all together to be on top at the end.

Israel put their disappointing start to the EuroBasket behind them and threw a real scare into Dusan Ivkovic's team but the Serbians came good in the fourth quarter and prevailed 89-80 to remain unbeaten in Group B.

The triumph means that Serbia have sealed their place in the next phase of the competition while Israel now have no chance of moving on.

After trailing by 12 in the third quarter with Afik Nissim pulling the strings for Israel (0-3) with his shooting and passing, Serbia got a three-point play by Kosta Perovic and a shot from the arc on the left wing by Stefan Markovic to pull level at 64-64.

David Blu replied with a three-ball for Israel, but Marko Keselj then drilled another long ball for the Serbians from the right to tie it at 67-67.

Israel continued to battle and went back in front with two Lior Eliyahu free-throws, yet Serbia had the bit between their teeth.

They went inside to Nenad Krstic and the captain's basket pulled the Serbians level again.

Arik Shivek's side not long after found themselves down 77-71 following two Krstic free-throws and another three-pointer from Keselj.

Israel got a drive by Yotam Halperin and then a three-point play from the inspirational Nissim to close the gap to one.

Krstic answered with a jump hook and two free-throws before the outstanding Dusko Savanovic knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the key with 1:03 to play to put the result beyond doubt.

Savanovic finished with a game-high 24 points, Krstic 18 and Keselj 15.

As expected, Serbia dominated the boards against the smaller Israel front line, taking 45 rebounds to 27 for Shivek's side.

"I think we played almost a perfect game the whole game, according to our game-plan," Shivek said.

"But what had worried me happened, they started hitting some three-pointers in the fourth quarter."

Israel got 18 points from Yotam Halperin, 16 apiece from Nissim and Blu and 14 from Eliyahu.

Elishay Kadir also sparked Israel, grabbing a team-high 10 rebounds and scoring seven points.

Milos Teodosic and Aleksandar Rasic both turned their ankles in the game but the injuries did not look serious.

Quotes Serbia vs. Israel

Israel Player Yuval Naimy:
"We came to the game with the right attitude but obviously Serbia was the stronger team. We have put everything on the floor but unfortunately this was not enough.

Israel Head Coach Arik Shivek:
"We played a very good game for us. I think almost all game we played perfectly. Then something happened in the 3rd quarter. In comparison with the two previous games, Serbia's playing style was different and they allowed us to do those maneuvers which Germany and France did not. We are looking forward for a game against Latvia and we will do our best."

Serbia Center Nenad Krstic:
"This was a very tough game. We are very happy about our victory. Most of the game Israel played with a very small lineup. We will try to get every rebound in the next game."

Serbia Head Coach Dusan Ivkovic:
"It is a big victory of my team. Israel was better for at least 3 quarters. In our team no one was answering from inside, we had bad reactions and some twisted ankles in the end of the game. But thankfully, we did not lose the situation in the last moment. My philosophy is day by day - different tactics for each game."