Hapoel Jerusalem left the Toto Hall yesterday (Wednesday) with an important away victory 63:65 over Hapoel Holon in the Israeli duel in the top 16 stage of the Champions League as a result of Kadin Carrington's winning basket, and returned to the winning track after the loss to Dijon last week.
In contrast to the atmosphere and stormy weather of the beginning of February, on the floor we witnessed a hot and creative fight that gave a playoff feeling and atmosphere, with both teams showing toughness and fighting for 40 minutes while the rate of accumulating points remained low.
The hosts, led by Chris Johnson and Joe Ragland, had the upper hand in the first half, but the Reds stayed close thanks to good work from Kadin Carnigton and Levi Randolph.
The second half was close throughout, with the difference remaining minimal and changing hands between the sides, but a great victory basket by Carrington, 8 seconds to the end decided the match in favor of the Reds, and gave the signal for celebrations in the stands.
"First of all, I really liked the atmosphere that was here. The atmosphere here is special and I like games like this," said Reds coach Aleksandar Džikić at the end.
"Both teams were in the game until the end, each deserved to win, but in the end we were more focused or lucky to win. To beat them you have to be very focused."
The club expressed satisfaction with the strong defense presented by the players once again, which stopped the champion at only 63 points, alongside a crushing victory in all the coach's and sacrifice indicators (28:41 for the guest in the fight for the rebounds, 6:15 in the fight for the rebounds in the attack, which they translated into 18 points).
Strong defense of Hapoel Jerusalem, photo: Danny Maron
Kadin Carrington, who contributed 16 points and scored the winning basket for the guest, shared his feelings at the end: "In the first half we didn't do the things we wanted to do. It feels good, I like playing here, I played here last season when I was in Dijon, there was a great atmosphere, our fans They were excellent throughout the game.
"Personally, this is the first year that I come off the bench, I have ups and downs, but I do what is necessary for the team. This victory is very important for us and jumps us back into the promotion picture. Our defense is our weapon, as long as we keep defending we will win games like this" .
Carrington.
"Does what is necessary for the team", photo: Danny Maron
Next week, the Reds will continue their journey in the factory and will host Strasbourg at Hafis Arena.
the French in the third round at the top 16 stage.
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