The Israel U20 Women's national team delivered a commanding performance in the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division A, defeating Belgium U20 Women 78–69 on 11 July 2026. The victory marked a crucial step forward for the Israeli squad in the tournament, showcasing resilience, sharp shooting, and a balanced team effort.

Match Overview

From the opening tip-off, Israel set the tempo, using aggressive defence to disrupt Belgium’s rhythm. The first quarter ended 21–18 in favour of the hosts, who built on that momentum through disciplined ball movement and effective transition play. Belgium responded strongly in the second period, locking in defensively and cutting the lead to just three points at halftime (40–37).

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Israel opened the second half on a 10–2 run, stretching the lead to 50–39 midway through the quarter. A string of three-pointers from the perimeter broke Belgium’s defensive structure.
• Belgium’s fightback: Trailing by 12 early in the fourth, Belgium mounted a 9–0 run, trimming the deficit to 66–63 with just over four minutes remaining. Israel called a timeout to regroup.
• Clutch execution: Out of the timeout, Israel’s guards calmly worked the shot clock, drawing fouls and converting free throws down the stretch. A critical steal and fast-break layup with 1:22 left sealed the result.

Standout Players

Israel’s backcourt duo of Noa Cohen and Amit Levi combined for 34 points, with Cohen dishing out 7 assists and Levi hitting 5-of-7 from three-point range. Forward Ruth Shani added a double-double: 14 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends.

For Belgium, Emma Van Houtte led all scorers with 22 points, showcasing her ability to create off the dribble. Center Lien Peeters contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds, but the team struggled with turnovers (17) and foul trouble late in the game.

Impact on the Tournament Standings

The win lifts Israel U20 Women to a 2–1 record in Group B, putting them in strong contention for a quarterfinal berth. Belgium, now 1–2, faces a must-win scenario in their final group-stage match against a higher-seeded opponent. With sharp shooting (48% from the field) and a disciplined defensive plan, Israel demonstrated they can compete with the division’s best as the championship heats up.