The playoffs started with a splash.
At the beginning of the week, Hapoel Haifa gave Jerusalem the victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv throughout the playoffs.
Tonight (Thursday), Yotam Halperin's team has already kicked a bucket and lost the big advantage it earned throughout the season, already in the opening of the series against Gilboa / Galil, which finished only eighth in the league.
The series that seemed closest to the sweep, got an amazing change of direction after the Northerners' incredible victory, 85:88.
The visitors dominated almost the entire game thanks to a clear advantage on the rebound (37:52), and enjoyed performances by substitute Derek Cook (17 points and 19 rebounds) and London Frantes (27 points, 6 threes and 8 assists).
It all happened in a missing lineup without Sasha Kielia Jones and Tios Battle .. The second game will take place at Gan Ner on Monday.
Surprising loss to Hapoel Jerusalem Arena, Photo: Berni Ardov
Surprising loss to Hapoel Jerusalem in the arena,
Surprising loss to Hapoel Jerusalem Arena, Photo: Berni Ardov
Surprising loss to Hapoel Jerusalem Arena, Photo: Berni Ardov
Surprising loss to Hapoel Jerusalem Arena, Photo: Berni Ardov
Surprising loss to Hapoel Jerusalem Arena, Photo: Berni Ardov
On the other hand, the series between Bnei Herzliya and Hapoel Haifa opened without surprises.
Herzliya leads 0: 1 after defeating 84: 107 after Haifa did not take advantage of the victory at Yad Eliyahu to generate momentum.
The big difference was in the defense.
Herzliya absorbed 48 points in the first half and 37 in the second, while in the second half the result was 37:60 to its credit.
The two big stars Chinano Onwako and Chris Bab were relatively restrained, but then came Andy Van Wallit, DJ Cooper (12 assists) and especially Morris Kemp.
The forward who started the season at Maccabi Rishon LeZion gave a record game with 28 points and only 3 fouls from 16 shots.
The second game will take place in Romema this coming Sunday.
Bnei Herzliya celebrates, Photo: Lyon Moldovan
Chinano Onoako in action,
Bnei Herzliya celebrates, Photo: Liron Moldovan
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