Ukraine claimed a 90-85 overtime win against Israel in Kiev on Wednesday to keep their hopes of finishing in the top two of EuroBasket Women qualifying Group A alive.

Olexandra Gorbunova came up with an all-star performance by pouring in 26 points for the Ukrainians, who also got 19 from Iryna Biryuk.

Gorbunova's biggest basket came at the end of regulation to force the extra period and once there, Biryuk pulled all the strings for her team.

With the two top sides from each of the four Division A groups and the best third-place team earning direct qualification for next year's final round in Latvia, Ukraine's triumph in their last game has given them a fighting chance to make it.

Volodymyr Bryukhovetskiy's team, after being upset at the weekend by Germany, is now 5-3 while Israel slipped to 5-2 with both of those losses coming against the Ukrainians.

Israel and Lithuania (5-2) each play their final games on Saturday.

The visitors looked confident in the first half with their long-range shooting keeping Ukraine at bay.

Liad Suez Karni and Shay Doron did a lot of the damage for the Israelis as they went to the changing rooms with a 37-34 advantage.

Iryna Biryuk and Olena Ogorodnikova put the hosts in front early in the second half, only for Israel to keep their poise and move back in front.

Israel, thanks largely to Karni and Liron Cohen, were able to open up an eight-point advantage midway through the fourth quarter.

Ukraine refused to give up, though, and clawed their way back.

Gorbunova tied the game at the end of regulation with a lay-up to force overtime and then Biryuk accounted for several key baskets in the extra period for Ukraine.

Karni knocked down 20 points for Israel. The visitors also got 19 from Cohen.

Israel finished 10 of 18 from long range, with Karni and  Cohen eaching burying three.

Volodymyr Bryukhovetskiy, Ukraine coach:

"It was a do or die situation for us. Israel is a very balanced and skillful team. They wanted to secure the top finish in the group here in Kiev, however we showed character. We wanted a remedy for previous defeats badly and our commitment paid off. The team looked to be concentrated late in the game and it allowed us to win it. The fans were really supportive during the game. I want to thank everyone who came to support us and it was a real force that helped in key moments of the encounter."