Israel began its 2025 EuroBasket campaign on the right foot with an 83-71 win over Iceland as Deni Avdija and Roman Sorkin did as they pleased to take the opening game victory on Thursday evening in Katowice, Poland.
Avdija and Sorkin scored early and often, while Elvar Fridriksson countered for Iceland as Israel grabbed a 23-19 lead after the opening quarter. The frantic pace slowed in the second period as Avdija and Sorkin continued to be the main contributors, but Tryggvi Hlinason kept Iceland close at the half as Israel held a 36-32 advantage.
Israel opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run as the dynamic duo of Sorkin and Avdija scored at will, but Fridriksson and Hlinason wouldn’t allow Israel to break totally free as the blue-and-white stayed in front 60-52 after 30 minutes.
However, Sorkin and Avdija made sure that Iceland wouldn’t get any closer as they maintained the gap in the final frame to close out the victory.
Sorkin scored 31 points, Avdija added 20 points and eight rebounds, while Yam Madar and Tomer Ginat each scored seven points apiece in the win. Fridriksson scored 17 points and Hlinason put in 13 points in the loss.
“This was very important as the first game is always very hard,” Israel coach Ariel Beit Halachmi began. “We worked the entire summer on the opener and it was not easy with how the opponent was playing. I am glad that we found a way to win in the second half. I am sure we will be better in the next games, but it was really important to take the win.”
Next up for Israel will be the host Poland on Saturday night
“They are a different team and the arena will be full. Their style is different, this is a tough and experienced team, and it will be a different game which we will have to come in prepared for. We have a little more than a day to get ready.”
Sorkin, the game’s MVP, summed up the game.
“It’s really not just me here that’s important, it’s the entire team. We’re happy that we won, the margin of victory is important. We made it harder than it should have been, but it’s the first game and we’re excited – but let’s move on. It was a good game from my point of view on a personal level, they found me in the right places. What’s important now is the next game.”
On playing with Avdija, Sorkin added: “It’s a lot of fun, he draws so much attention that it makes the job much easier for all of us. He’s a great player, doesn’t force things, everything flows and is just fun. We’re happy that he’s with us and not against us.”
Yam Madar also spoke about the win and his physical condition after not having played competitive basketball for quite some time.
“This was great and it was fun to open up the EuroBasket with a win. I’m in shape to play and I may not feel that I am in the best condition, but I am fine. I didn’t have a minute limitation either, but what was really important is that we took the win in the first game.”