Maccabi Tel Aviv started the 2021/22 season on the right foot when they defeated Hapoel Eilat 62:92 tonight (Sunday) and won the Winner's Cup for the second time in a row and the ninth overall.
James Nanley, who was named the tournament's Outstanding Player, excelled in the final with 19 points (5 of 6 for 3), 6 rebounds and 5 assists and also Roman Sorkin who fits into the yellow club better than he thought, stood out with a double double of 16 points, 10 Rebounds and 5 blocks.
Photo: Oded Karni,
This is in fact the Yellows' last preparation game for the real thing, the opening of the Euroleague season on Thursday against Bayern Munich.
Despite the nice and easy win, Yannis Sapropoulos still has a lot of work to do - Scotty Wilbkin is still not in good physical shape and it is not clear in the front line who will close position 5 in the minutes in which Jaylen Reynolds went down to rest on the bench.
Eilat, which played the entire tournament with only three foreigners, lost for the second time in its history in the final of the tournament.
Ariel Beit Halachmi can be pleased with the fighting spirit displayed by his players and the ability of Justin Patton (11 points and 7 rebounds) who appears to be another bingo of the coach and the southern team.
With quality reinforcement that should arrive soon, Eilat can speak loudly in the coming season as well.
Photo: Oded Karni,
Photo: Oded Karni,