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Hapoel Jerusalem counts an eighth victory in a row: "This team has character" | Israel today

2022-12-04T05:38:32.344Z


The team from the capital sweated against Kiryat Ata, but knew how to get back to business on the way to 70:77. Did the coach whisper to Noam Dovrat?


Hapoel Jerusalem sweated yesterday (Saturday) but accomplished its mission and achieved its eighth victory in a row in all the frames when it beat Iruni Kiryat Ata in the Hafis Arena, 70:77, as part of the eighth round in the Winner League, thanks to a wonderful game by Liwai Randolph, who led the list of scorers for the host team with 16 points.

The host, who played without Noam Dovar who injured his knee and ended the season, and without Speedy Smith who was not feeling well, already led by 18 points at halftime, but a poor third quarter of only 8 points allowed the guest to return to the game.

Great minutes from Oz Blazer, who returned from injury in the last quarter, helped his team get another home win.

"We played without our two coordinators and it wasn't fun at all, but in the end we won.

It was a tough game and I expected Kiryat Ata's return to the game.

Our players faced a lot of problems but they proved that this team has character.

In a certain way, every opponent helps us to be better and improve", Aleksandar Džikić noted at the end.

Dzikic and Cornelius.

Jerusalem does not stop, photo: Liron Moldovan

Doverat, who received cheers from the crowd when he entered the field on crutches, was an important project for the Serbian coach who never hid his affection for the young guard.

During the third quarter when the Reds struggled offensively, Džikić was seen whispering to the speaker: "I could use you right now."

Noam Doverat and the crutches.

Receiving reinforcements, photo: Liron Moldovan

In the absence of natural coordinators in the squad, the Serbian pulled a rabbit out of the hat and entrusted the lead of the ball to Lewai Randolph, who returned the trust with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 5 assists.

"Me and Randolph had a conversation at the beginning of the season and even then he told me that he would also be happy to serve as a center in the future because he played that way in the past and now it happened and he played well," shared Džikić.

Randolph, who led the list of scorers for the host, shared his feelings at the end: "I felt good, many players showed up and we were able to get the victory. Playing as a center is natural for me, I grew up as a center and played like that simply since I got a little taller. Basketball today lacks positions and if the coach wants me to carry the ball I would be very happy ".

The club complimented Oz Blazer who returned from a prolonged shoulder injury, looked great and full of confidence and contributed 11 points in 22 minutes.

"He played well and gave us great minutes in positions three and four, he plays strong and does everything he can to help the team always win. We know what he is worth."

Oz Blazer.

Returned in time, photo: Liron Moldovan

The club expressed satisfaction with the character displayed by the players who knew how to win the game despite losing a double-digit advantage of 18 points, on the way to an 8th consecutive victory.

"The team is a reflection of its coach, he infects all of us with it. We are fighters and we will come to fight on every court and it doesn't matter what the result will be for us," concluded Randolph.

In the next cycle, the Jerusalemites went to the Lev Mosheva hall and will be hosted by Nes Ziona city within the ninth cycle of the league.

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Source: israelhayom

All sports articles on 2022-12-04

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