EUROBASKET WOMEN QUALIFIERS

Israel struggled but won against a never-say-die Portugal in EuroBasket Women Qualification Round Group A on Wednesday.

Shay Doron had 22 points and the game-winning free-throws with five seconds remaining as Israel prevailed, 62-60.

Portugal trailed for much of the early going but fought back to knot the game at 27-27 with 12 seconds to go in the first half after a lay-up by Sara Filipe.

Israel took a 30-27 advantage to half-time following a three-point play by Doron.

A Filipe three-ball tied the contest at 30-30 early in the second half and then a Carla Freitas shot from the arc gave the hosts a 33-30 advantage.

With the game level at 35-35, Israel went on a 10-0 run and seemed to take command.

Liron Cohen had the last eight points in that spurt, including a couple of three-pointers.

But Portugal refused to go away, even when facing a nine-point deficit with 3:30 to play.

A lay-up by Filipe and jumper by Maria Correia closed the gap to 59-58.

After Doron split a pair of free-throws, Sofia Da Silva drew a foul and sank two from the charity stripe to tie the game at 60-60 with 19 seconds to play.

Israel called timeout, and when play started again, Carla Nascimento fouled Doron with five seconds to play in the contest.

This time, the veteran guard sank both attempts.

After a Portugal timeout, they got the ball to Nascimento but she was off target with her attempt as Israel survived to improve to 2-2.

With the defeat, the Portuguese fell to 0-4.