Israel are reflecting on a triumphant weekend in which they won three times in the Nahariya Tournament - once against fellow European Championship finalists Ukraine.

Tal Burstein, being trumpeted as Israel’s best player heading into the Sweden tournament, lived up to his billing in the northern part of the country on Sunday in a 70-61 victory over the Ukrainians.

He had a game-high 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The home side started fast, scoring 13 of the first 17 points but the Ukraine hit back to trail 21-18 by the end of the first quarter.

Israel’s guard play was not at its best in the second quarter and the visitors took advantage, grabbing a 36-34 advantage by half-time.

Muli Katzurin’s men finally found their feet in the third quarter and led by a point going into the final frame when Burstein asserted himself and steered Israel home.

Israel shot the ball well from long range, making six of 15 from behind the three-point line.
Yoav Saffar was particularly effective in 27 minutes, converting two of his three shots from behind the arc.

Israel turned it over 17 times but forced the Ukraine into committing 21 turnovers themselves.

Point guard Lior Lubin played just 20 minutes but scored nine points, dished out five assists and hauled down five rebounds.

"When the game is well-managed by the point guards, things look different," Katzurin admitted to the Haaretz newspaper after the game.

On Friday, Israel beat Poland 74-70 with Saffar’s 16 points leading the charge.

In that game, the hosts struggled from long range, converting only four of their 18 three-point shot attempts.

They also edged an Israel B side on Saturday, 70-69.