Israel did not get a great game from their star Omri Casspi, but they were strong enough to overcome Georgia 81-74 on Sunday in Nova Gorica and keep alive their chances of reaching their third final in seven years.

Casspi was held to just 14 points, but Yogev Ohayon paced the Israelis with 23 points and six assists and Elishay Kadir had 16 points and Tal Michael Dunne 15 as Yakov Gino's team improved to 2-1 in Group F.

Georgia, who got 14 points from Lasha Parghalava, dropped to 1-2 and face an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals.

The 2000 and 2004 runners-up Israel wasted little time against Georgia pulling ahead by 14 points in the first quarter and leading 27-15 after one period.

The lead was still 13 - 43-30 - at half-time for Israel.

Georgia could not scratch back into the game in the third quarter with Israel ahead 64-54 going into the final 10 minutes.

But Israel struggled offensively and Parghalava drained a three-pointer to make it 70-68 with four minutes to play.

Ahead 79-74 with 19 seconds to go, Gal Mekel missed a free throw, but Kadir grabbed the offensive rebound and Ohayon made a lay-up with 11 seconds left.

Israel face a critical showdown with co-hosts Italy on Wednesday while Georgia must beat Spain if they hope for even a remote chance.