Israel's bid to reach the EuroBasket for a second straight time via the additional qualifying tournament got off on the right foot on Wednesday with a 72-60 victory in Group C at Denmark.

In a very tight game played in Aarhus, the Israelis only led 50-49 after three quarters but they outscored the Danes 22-11 the rest of the way.

Yotam Halperin had 19 points and Lior Eliyahu 14 with six rebounds for the winners.

Denmark, playing without their star player Christian Drejer, got an excellent effort from center Peter Johansen.

The 27-year-old drifted outside and made three of four from the arc and finished with 17 points.

Bilal Clarance weighed in with 14 for Denmark.

Next up for Denmark is a game at Belgium, who beat Ukraine on Wednesday.

The Ukrainians will try to get their qualifying campaign on track at Israel.