Maccabi Tel Aviv opened its playoff journey with a home win at the Menora Mivtachim Arena over Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona 77:86 and improved to 0-1 in the playoff quarterfinals.
The Yellows, who entered the playoffs from first place in the table after winning the derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv earlier this week, made two forced changes to the squad and did not list Wade Baldwin and Josh Nivo, who suffered minor injuries, for the derby match.
The two teams met twice in the regular season, with both games being one-sided and going in favor of the Yellows. In the first round in the capital of the Negev, the Yellows won 58:91, while in the second round at the Tel Aviv Arena, Oded Katsch's pupils won 68:81.
Struggle on the court, photo: Alan Shaver
Martin in action, photo: Alan Shaver
Oded Ketch on the lines,
Unlike a classic encounter between the top-ranked and eighth-ranked teams, the level differences on paper were not noticeable this time and despite the hosts' advantage for most of the match, the Southerners managed to stay close.
Unlike the Euroleague playoffs, when the role of the Israelis in yellow was marginal, tonight Ketch gave the stage to the local players, expanded the rotation, and they returned it with a handsome output. Roman Sorkin continued his wonderful performance last cycle, contributing 10 points and 8 rebounds, Rafi Manko and Yiftach Ziv added 8 points each.
In Baldwin's absence, it was Darren Hilliard who took charge in the final quarter and led the Yellowjackets to victory with 17 points. On Sunday, the series will travel to the south, where Lior Lyubin's pupils will try to balance the result in the Shell Hall.
Poythers blows up, photo: Alan Shaver
Yiftach Ziv in action,
David Blatt in the Hall, Photo: Alan Shaver
The hottest sports articles and updates on your Telegram
Join
Hilliard and Sorkin celebrate at the arena, photo: Alan Shaver
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us
