Strong start for Israel basketball

Israel's qualification campaign for Eurobasket 2011 got off to a strong start with a 79-71 away victory over group favourites Italy in Bari.

Yotam Halperin topscored with 16 points as the Israelis opened up a large lead by the second quarter.

The victory was all the more impressive because NBA star Omri Casspi failed to shine with only nine points to his name.