Deni Avdija led the way again with 22 points as Israel advanced to the knockout stage at EuroBasket with a nail-biting 92-89 win against Belgium on Tuesday.

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

Israel led by 21 points at one stage in the Polish city of Katowice, but Belgium dominated the fourth quarter 35-21.

Israel was holding on and with eight seconds left, it was 90-87, but Yam Madar’s free throw ensured a tense victory which 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 roc

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