Temi Fagbenle unfazed by Israel clash in EuroBasket qualifiers
BySportsbeat
Published 14/02/2018 at 13:40 GMT
Great Britain star Temi Fagbenle is feeling relaxed about tonight's clash against Israel in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 qualifiers.
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
After coming from behind to beat Portugal 64-56 last weekend, Great Britain are top of Group D with five points, ahead of Greece and Israel on points difference alone.
WNBA champion Fagbenle, who plays centre for Minnesota Lynx, was among those to star as she finished last week's win over Portugal with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
But after a thrilling 90-87 overtime victory over Israel in Manchester last November, Fagbenle knows their opponents will be eager to avenge their loss in Tel Aviv.
"We beat them at home and so we know it will be a challenge, but we have all the talents we need to win this game," insisted Fagbenle.
"We go into every game thinking that we can win, because we know we can.
"Israel is just another game for us."
Great Britain went down early against Portugal and trailed for most of the game, but recovered majestically from their 56-49 deficit.
It's that character which Fagbenle believes could be vital in the remaining qualification period, as Great Britain look to take their momentum into the next qualifying stage.
"We are a strong team and we believe in each other," said Fagbenle.
"We were down by more than 12 at one point and stuck together to show that.
"We knew it was a marathon and not a sprint in the game against Portugal.
"It was hard fought from both sides as Portugal are a scrappy team, but then we are scrappy too. However, it was fun and a full on team effort. Every win is definitely important to us."
The other Group D game saw narrowly beat top seeds Greece 65-63 in Tel Aviv as competition for the coveted top spot, and only certain qualifying position, heats up.
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