Hapoel Jerusalem officially opened its season this evening (Monday) when it hosted the Turkish Drozhapka in the Hafis Arena as part of the first round of the group stage of the FIBA Champions League, and at the end of the 40 minutes it came out with a first victory 67:69.
For Aleksandar Dzikic's apprentices, the game was the first official test of the intriguing project, which the Serbian coach put together in the city after a relatively successful pre-season campaign that included five victories, but also one loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the semi-finals of the Winner Cup.
The host started the match stutteringly and allowed the Turks to take an early lead of 12 points in the middle of the first quarter.
The Jerusalemites woke up in the second quarter and thanks to wonderful minutes by Kadin Carrington and Levi Randolph erased an early deficit of 13 points and balanced the game on the verge of going into halftime.
The second half was tight, with the Turks holding the lead in the game by a small margin, led by center Gabriel Olseny.
Jerusalem's run, three minutes to the end of the game led by Randolf and Blazer, transferred the advantage to their side, which they successfully maintained until the exciting end.
Score a lot for Hapoel Jerusalem: Kadin Carrington 18 points, Levi Randolph 13, Zach Hankins 10, Speedy Smith 8.
dramatic play in the arena,
Hapoel Jerusalem in the arena, photo: Barney Ardov
The crowd of Hapoel Jerusalem in the arena, photo: Barney Ardov
Dramatic game in the arena, photo: Barney Ardov
Dramatic game in the arena, photo: Alan Shiver
Dramatic game in the arena, photo: Bernie Adobe
Aleksandar Dzikic in a frenzy on the lines, photo: Barney Ardov
Dramatic game in the arena, photo: Barney Ardov
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