By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Dominating for large stretches in the Semifinals of Israel’s Winner League Cup, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem earned a 79-69 win over Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv.
Connecting six out of the first seven three-point attempts set the pace from the first quarter of the Winner Cup fixture, with the lead peaking at 17 points midway through the third period. The Yellows reduced the deficit to one point, following nine unanswered points to start the fourth quarter, but Hapoel rebuilt a safer lead going into crunch time.
Finishing the contest with 14/24 triples was key, especially considering Maccabi’s 9/37. Jared Harper netted a game-high 22 points and Khadeen Carrington put in 12 of his 16 points over the last ten minutes. The pair combined for six makes from beyond the arc. Cassius Winston, nursing a recent shoulder injury, and Dmytro Skapintsev were left off the roster.
Before the meeting in Holon Toto Hall, they faced each other for the Supercup last Sunday, with the Jerusalem outfit winning the title similarly, repelling a late comeback bid.
Jimmy Clark III scoring 14 of his 16 points in the second half was not enough for the team coached by Oded Kattash on Friday. In addition to Uros Trifunovic remaining sidelined with a sprained ankle, Oshae Brissett and Clifford Omoruyi were also ruled out by due to restrictions on foreign players.
On Saturday in the same venue, the second semifinal matchup follows with Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv facing Hapoel Gilat Telecom Haemek. Hapoel Jerusalem will take on the winner in Holon next Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net