Hapoel Tel Aviv beat Crvena Zvezda to claim first EuroLeague win — Jerusalem Post
Israel’s Hapoel Tel Aviv secured its first win of the EuroLeague season, defeating Crvena Zvezda 81-80. After two matches in the continental tournament, the team has one win and one loss, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Hapoel led 45-35 at halftime. In the second half, the Belgrade club reduced the deficit, but late in the game Vasilije Micic made two crucial three-pointers that helped the Tel Aviv side retain the winning score.
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s victory
Elijah Bryant recorded a double-double and scored 18 points. Blakeney and Zach LeDay added 12 points each, while Micic had 11. For Crvena Zvezda, Jared Butler was the top scorer with 16 points, Jordan Nwora scored 13, and Tyson Carter had 12.
Hapoel head coach Dimitris Itoudis said his team controlled the game for most of the match and showed character. The Tel Aviv club’s next opponent will be Real Madrid; the game will take place at the team’s temporary home arena in Sofia.
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Maccabi’s defeat in Belgrade
At the same time, Maccabi Tel Aviv lost to Turkey’s Besiktas 93-109 in Belgrade and remained winless after two EuroLeague rounds. Besiktas led 52-46 after the first half and extended its advantage to 78-63 before the final quarter.
Scottie Wilbekin and Anthony Brown scored 20 points each for the winners, while Devon Dotson added 17. For Maccabi, Bonzie Colson scored 17 points and Jimmy Clark had 15. Tel Aviv head coach Oded Kattash linked the defeat to defensive problems, a loss of confidence and deteriorating team coordination. In its next match, Maccabi will play away against Panathinaikos.
Hapoel Jerusalem’s start
In the EuroCup, Hapoel Jerusalem routed Germany’s Rostock Seawolves 94-73. Kenny Lofton Jr. scored 20 points and collected 10 rebounds, Jalen Smith added 18 points, and Shake Milton had 14. Sasha Obradovic’s team finished the first quarter leading 25-18 and held a 73-54 advantage before the final 10 minutes.
