Maccabi Tel Aviv rose to first place last night (Sunday) in the Winner League table after beating Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona 68:81 at the Menorah Mitvahim Hall, with the help of a great game by Rafi Manko and Darren Hilliard who scored 13 points each and led the scoring list.
Oded Ketch's men returned to the home court after a streak of four away games, did not shine, but despite this they had no difficulty overcoming the team from the capital of the Negev, in a game that was tight throughout.
Ketch took the opportunity to expand the rotation and received a contribution from his Israeli players who stood out led by Manko, Roman Sorkin (10 points and 11 rebounds), John DiBartholomeo and Guy Panini (9 points each).
"I take from this game mainly the victory. We played without enough commitment on a personal level in the first half, we need to be much more focused, that's where we got ourselves into trouble," testified Oded Ketch at the end.
"We could have done it much easier. There were ups and downs, but our challenge is to come prepared for every game. It's a lesson we've already learned, but we'll try to learn it again."
Hilliard.
Coming back to himself?, Photo: Oded Karni
During the second quarter, Guy Panini recorded a historic milestone in his career when he played in the 511th league game in his career in the local framework, thus equaling Meir Tapiro in first place on the all-time list.
The veteran forward shared 13 minutes and tied his season high with nine points.
"I don't play much this season and it's not easy for me to stay in shape either. It's a challenge for me to stay in the flow and rhythm of the game, but I make sure to work hard. For me, reaching the peak of performances is a very happy feeling. I'm doing what I like to do the most, maybe one of the things The only ones I know how to do. To do it the most times of all time is amazing for me and I feel blessed. I wish I would continue and I wish every athlete to play until such an age", Panini shared his feelings at the end.
After the match, the Yellows will return to prepare for the European framework and on Thursday they will host Red Star Belgrade at home.
The one who is expected to return to the courts after about a month is the star of the Yellows, Lorenzo Braun, who was absent due to an ankle injury.
"I really hope that his return to the field will be smooth, the plan is that he will play already on Thursday against the Red Star. We will have to see him in training this week and see how he feels," Ketch concluded.
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