Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Israel SportsDespite 25 points from Roman Sorkin and leading for extended stretches, the blue-and-white ran out of steam late in Tbilisi.Follow us on GoogleYam Madar.(photo credit: Amit Berman/IBBA, official website)ByOR SHKEDIAUGUST 25, 2026 18:26The Israeli national basketball team concluded its preparation for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers on Sunday night with a 101-90 loss to Georgia in Tbilisi, following a grueling trip marred by flight delays and the strike at Ben-Gurion Airport.Head coach Ariel Beit-Halahmy fielded a starting lineup featuring team captain Yam Madar, Khadeen Carrington, Guy Palatin, Netanel Artzi, and Roman Sorkin.Maccabi Tel Aviv big man Sorkin set the tone early, scoring 11 points in the opening frame to propel Israel to a 25-17 lead after 10 minutes. Georgia’s formidable frontcourt trio of Toko Shengelia, Goga Bitadze, and Sandro Mamukelashvili posed significant defensive challenges for Sorkin, but he continued to deliver offensively. Aside from Madar and brief sparks from Adam Ariel, however, Sorkin received limited offensive support early on, allowing Georgia to rally and take a 43-41 edge into halftime.Tamir Blatt. (credit: Amit Berman/IBBA, official website)Israel rediscovered its offensive rhythm in the third quarter behind Ariel and Tamir Blatt, who combined for 15 points in the period. Dropping 28 points in the frame, the blue-and-white edged back ahead, 69-68, heading into the final quarter.The game remained a tight contest until back-to-back three-pointers by the hosts pushed Georgia ahead 83-78 with just over five minutes remaining, forcing Beit-Halahmy to call a timeout. Georgia pulled away in the closing minutes to secure the victory.Scorers for Israel: Roman Sorkin 25 points (6 rebounds), Yam Madar 16 (8 rebounds, 8 assists), Adam Ariel 15, Khadeen Carrington 12, Tamir Blatt 8, Netanel Artzi 4, Rafi Menco 3, Guy Palatin 3, Itay Segev 2, Ethan Burg 2. Also played: Lior Carreira, Yotam Hanochi, and Yair Kravitz.Standouts for Georgia: Goga Bitadze 22 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili 20, Toko Shengelia 17 (9 rebounds).Follow us on Google