Avraham Lehrman (L) of Israel vies the ball with player of Germany in the 5/6 classification match of men's wheelchair basketball at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 16, 2008. Germany defeated Israel 63-54 and took the fifth place. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Germany hit several key shots to pull ahead of Israel 63-54 in the Beijing Paralympics men's wheelchair basketball classification play-off game for 5th-6th place on Tuesday at the National Indoor Stadium.

    Although two points separated the two teams with only a few minutes left on the clock, Germany just held on to edge out Israel for the victory.

    German forward Dirk Passiwan was the game's highest scorer with 22 points, including a clutch 3-pointer in the last minute of play.

    Germany also made important free throws in the last minute, contributing to their 67 percent free-throw success rate, which was nearly double Israel's figure.

    Germany gained 14 points from Israel's 13 turnovers.

    Forward Dotan Meishar led Israel in points of 19 and grabbed the game's most rebounds of 14. Centre Lior Dror provided solid offensive reinforcement to Meishar with 14 points.

    In a previous game for 9th-10th place playoff, Brazil crushed South Africa 68-46.