More than three months have passed since Hapoel Jerusalem last lost at the Arena as part of the FIBA Champions League, and last night (Wednesday) the streak stopped when the Reds opened the Top 16 stage with a disappointing home loss, 84:77 to French Dijon.
After a three-year absence, the Reds returned to the second stage of the plant, but seemed off and lacking energy.
The guest took the lead in the game at the beginning of the first quarter and held a small lead throughout most of the minutes of the match.
Lewai Randolph (14 points) with the help of Zach Hankins tried to change the result, but the good skills of Jabin Ware (24 points, 11 of 13 from the field) and David Holston (20 points and 13 rebounds) from Dijon decided in the fourth quarter The close match in favor of the whites.
The loss could complicate Jerusalem further down the road, and this is well known by their coach Aleksandar Dzikic, who tried to explain the ability of his players: "We lacked the energy, it was not at the level we needed to beat a team of this type."
Smith.
Admits that the players did not comply with the game plan, photo: Oded Karni
The coach also said: "We prepared for all their moves, and we practiced it every day for the past week, but we didn't execute it in the game. I don't know what happened. I think we have to play stronger, tougher, braver and better."
Marks Meiris who contributed 6 points shared his feelings at the end: "Our game was not good and the most upsetting part is that it was at our home in front of our crowd, we can't play like that at home. We need to be much more energetic on the field and play with energy for an entire game."
Speedy Smith, who scored 8 points and handed out 12 assists, added: "We are not disappointed, there are 5 more games left. Dijon played well, made adjustments, scored tough shots and did things we couldn't stop.
"The coach had a clear game plan and we need to adjust ourselves better to his game plan and we didn't. They just played better."
After the match, the Reds will return to prepare for the local arena, where on Saturday they will be hosted by Hapoel Eilat at the Begin Hall and on Wednesday, in about a week, they will be hosted by Hapoel Holon at the Toto Hall for the second round of the round of 16 in the Champions League, with both teams looking for the first victory in the second stage.
Dzikic.
Will he stay for another season?, Photo: Oded Karni
On another issue, "Israel Hayom" learned that Alexander Dzikic signed a two-year contract as the team's coach this summer in the capital, but in fact it is not a closed contract, but as many players sign, the second season is only an option.
The veteran Serbian coach is highly valued in the capital, as the club is very satisfied with the professional side, the work procedures and conduct of Džikić, and if something inevitable does not happen, and considering the state of the team on the floor, they are expected to act even before the end of the season in order to exercise the option.
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us
