(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-09-06 05:49

MADRID, Sept 5 - Israel condemned Serbia to a third straight defeat in Group A, winning 87-83 to send the former greats home early from the European Championship on Wednesday.

As Yugoslavia, the team won eight gold medals between 1973 and 2001 but Serbia were undone by a superb display from Israel forward Yaniv Green in Granada. He landed 26 points and hauled down 12 rebounds.

"It's all my fault and I take the full responsibility. I picked the players so I can't blame them," Serbia coach Zoran Slavnic said.

Israel, who turned the game in the third quarter, outscoring Serbia 25-15, were the last side to make it to the championship, entering through the additional qualifying tournament last week.

They take their place in the second phase, which gets underway in Madrid on Friday. Greece and Russia play off for the top spot in Group A later on Wednesday.

The top three sides from the four sections move into two groups of six in the second phase, with the results from the first three days carrying over.

In Palma de Mallorca, playmaker Sarunas Jasikevicius steered Lithuania to the top spot in Group C with an 84-80 win over Germany.

The 31-year-old guard turned in another inspirational display with 15 points, four rebounds and 10 assists, eclipsing Germany forward Dirk Nowitzki, who notched up 28 points and nine rebounds.

Slovenia sprung a surprise to take first place in Group D, pushing aside medal contenders France 67-66.

France guard Tony Parker, who scored a game-high 25 points, fluffed a free throw in the final seconds to miss out on extra time.

Matjaz Smodis and Domen Lorbek sank 15 apiece to lead Slovenia to their third straight win.

Later on Wednesday, Italy need to beat Poland in Group D to ensure their passage to the next stage.