Israel and Germany deliver heroics on Day 2 of FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2023

LUBLIN (Poland) - Israel (Men) and Germany (Women) made early statements on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2023 on September 28.

THE TEAMS

Israel (Men) started their World Cup run on a tear, defeating Kenya 21 - 15 in their opener. Omer Harel was lights out from deep, getting all his 10 points from two-range. Gill Noyovitch contributed 7 as well. He continued his scoring run in their next game against Germany. In a close contest against the high-flying side, the sharpshooting Israeli side kept up. Noyovitch scored 6 points, while Omer Sadeh scored 7 points. The game went to OT and it was money from deep again for Harel who called game to end a perfect first day of action for Israel. 

Mongolia (Men) also went undefeated on the day, coming away with a narrow 19 - 18 victory against Czechia before making easy work of China in a 21 - 9 affair. 

On the Women’s side, Germany proved just their contender status. Marie Reichert took off in their opening game against Tunisia, putting up 10 points in a comfortable 21 - 6 victory. Their next tie proved to be arguably the game of the tournament.

Going up against Lithuania who had already shown their prowess against Greece, it was slated to be a battle. Dalia Donskichytè who had been on fire in her first game was the playmaker in this one, setting up the likes of Egle Zabotkaite who went off for 10 points. But Germany, off the back of another stellar performance by Marie Reichert maintained stasis. The game went to OT where clutch plays on both ends of the court proved to be the difference maker as Laura Zolper got the steal and the bucket for the win. The final score was 22 - 21 as Germany head into Day 4 with a 2-0 cushion. 

Alongside the Germans, home side Poland (women) came through with the crowd on their side, picking up an OT win against Greece before defeating Tunisia to close the day’s action. 

THE PLAYERS

Mongolia’s (Men) Munkhtur Khureltogoo finished as top scorer so far with 15 points, including an immense 10 points in their win against Czechia.

Omer Harel from Israel (Men) was clutch for Israel as well, picking up 14 total points while shooting incredibly from long range. He also scored the dagger against Germany to keep his side undefeated on the day. 

On the women’s side, Germany’s Marie Reichert was a one-player machine. She put up a monstrous 21 points, leading all teams so far in points scored. She was the engine behind an astounding first day for the Germans. 

DAY 2

We wrap up two of the four groups per category tomorrow with some massive games ahead