Despite Danny Abadiah's career record (26 points) and after 16 games, the Yellows raised their hands for the first time in 86:81 in Eilat • Scottie Wilbkin was injured in the crucial quarter

• Danny Abadia hovers in Eilat. Career record, which did not help

  Photo:

  Yehuda ben Yitzhak

Last season, Eilat was a top team but failed to beat Maccabi in four meetings. This season, precisely in the game, the Souths posted an 81:86 on the champions and led the Yellows to a first league loss this season after 16 wins.

With all the aggravating circumstances of Maccabi Tel Aviv, the schedule and the lack of composition (only with seven senior players, Amara Stodmaier flying to the US), this is a big sensation. Eilat was given a great opportunity and, unlike others, also knew how to take it. Maccabi Tel Aviv lost for the first time at home in the Euroleague on Thursday, and tonight it lost for the first time in the league.

Eilat celebrates a surprising victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, tonight // Photo: Yehuda Ben Yatach

Danny Abadia is floating. First Loss Loss // Photo: Yehuda Ben-Yatach

Eilat with a third win in the last four games and the team that feared the decline is now thinking of a playoff. Quite a bit of credit comes from quite a few players, but before everyone else, the substitute Ziv Ben Zvi thanks to an excellent game management plus 11 points.

In the first half Eilat did not take advantage of Maccabi's lack of concentration (20 losses in the entire game) and lagged 38:31. In the second half a completely different story. Kiven Davenport was fantastic, Rivonte Rice excellent and Eilat (14 steals a game) scored 10 threes in the second half compared to the first 2. It came to 61: 72 - 5 minutes to finish.

Maccabi Tel Aviv lowered to 78: 79 in the final minute, but Eilat did not give up and secured the precious and surprising victory.

Jake Cohen is looking for those to hand over, tonight in Eilat // Photo: Yehuda Ben Yacha