Musis Masterclass Seals Israel's EuroBasket U18 Win
David Musis delivered a commanding performance, netting 21 points and pulling down 9 rebounds, to steer Israel to a hard-fought 84-80 victory over Austria at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket.
Israel held a slim four-point lead at halftime (41-37) and extended it to eight entering the final period (62-54), ultimately fending off a spirited Austrian comeback. While Austria's bench provided a significant spark, contributing 37 points, Israel found enough firepower to maintain control.
Despite shooting just 28% from three-point range (7/25), Israel's resilience shone through, aided by a strong free-throw shooting display (25/31, 81%). Aviv Aronov chipped in with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Lior Hershko added 12 points and 2 steals.
For Austria, Armin Kapic recorded an impressive double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, complemented by Pierce Thompson's team-high 21 points. However, their collective effort, including a notable 35 rebounds, fell just short.
This crucial win serves as a statement performance for Israel, demonstrating their mettle in a tightly contested tournament encounter.