Yellows disappointed by weak ability in 98:87 Jerusalem: "We were soft in defense, they wanted more"
Maccabi Tel Aviv players last night at Arena
Photo:
Alan Shaver
Maccabi Tel Aviv quickly folded after the loss last night (Sunday) 98:87 to Hapoel Jerusalem Arena. This folding is also the exact definition of what we saw from it on the hardwood. The players and teammates came out of the game in front of the big opponent who had already lagged on 27th difference.
"It is a very disappointing loss," Captain Jake Cohen admitted, "We got punched in the mouth at the start, Jerusalem came with energy and we were on the back foot, fought at the end but when there is such a hard gap to come back. Luckily it's March, and we have time to get back to ourselves and get better To Maccabi's way, Jerusalem have beaten us a few times this season, but I don't think they're worth it to us. I don't care if I'm an underdog or a favorite, we come to play as hard as we can, no matter if they've beaten us in the past. Against them in the third round and at the end of the season we will try to beat them just like we tried tonight. "
Factors in the team tried to hang the loss on several factors: 1. The fatigue of playing three games in five days, including flying to Belgrade. "We were soft on defense. They played better and wanted more to win this game." 2. Tension dropped after the team secured its qualification for the Euroleague playoffs last week. "We have to remember that we have not been there for five years and there may be a drop in stress, but we will overcome it," they said.
In the meantime, the Yellows are in the game on Thursday against Basconia and are expected to officially announce today that the game will be held in the Hall of Safety, probably in front of only 9,000 spectators, according to a summary reached by health and sports ministries. Maccabi Tel Aviv continues to monitor developments regarding the Corona virus and their implications for the upcoming games, indoors and outdoors.
"I have concerns, obviously, I haven't experienced anything like this in the past, a lot of people haven't experienced such a thing," Cohen added sincerely. "I heard we were probably criminals when we played last week. We try to do our job and play basketball. It affected us in a way, but "It was supposed to affect Jerusalem as well. I will not use Corona as an excuse. We will do what we can, the best we can. It's a serious illness, I hope nobody gets it. It is a very serious thing."
