Hapoel Holon downed Nes Ziona 82-70 as Hassan Martin dominated the paint, Xavier Munford hit his midrange and Netanel Artzi had an all around terrific performance for Danny Franco’s team spoiling Bryce Brown’s return to Amit Sherf’s squad. The win moved the purples record to 3-0 with a Basketball Champions League game against Cholet coming up this week while Nes Ziona dropped to 0-4 on the season.

Martin filled the basket early on for Hapoel Holon, while Desi Rodriguez responded for Nes Ziona but points from Idan Zalmanson put the purples in front 18-15 after ten minutes of play. Bryce Brown scored his first points back in Israel, Artzi countered, Lotan Amsalem scored for the hosts but Munford and Jordan McRae wrapped up the first half to give the visitors a 41-32 advantage.

Spencer Weisz led off the third quarter from deep while Isaiah Whitehead and Rodriguez scored to cut down the lead, Martin and Munford both scored for the purples, Tyreek Smith added points at the other end but a triple by McRae kept Holon in front 65-55 after thirty minutes of action. Itay Moskovitz went from deep to begin the final frame, Munford came back with a trio of baskets, Todd Whiters went from downtown,

Martin scored 18 points, Artzi chipped in with 15 points and Munford scored 13 points in the win while Rodriguez scored 15 points as Whitehead and Moskovitz each scored 12 points in the loss.

Danny Franco takes about the win, “I’m very happy and content as to how we played this game and we don’t have that much time to prepare as we play at least two games per week. I wanted to see how we would do without having Derrick Walton Jr, playing and we did well. I’m very happy as to how we played defensively and we are still working on our offense but we did see how some of the Israelis played together which they have done for so many years. The guys off the bench played well including Roi while Hassan was terrific. I’m just very happy with how we played.”

Amit Sherf reflected on the defeat, “When you are playing talented team you need to make sure you score when you gave the opportunity to. We didn’t move fast enough but we were able to follow the game plan, however, it just wasn’t enough. We have been struggling and we want to win next week with three games before the international break. We’re happy that Bryce is back and we will get him back into the swing of things.”

Roi Rosenberg spoke about the game and being one of the young players who have been given a chance to play this season for Holon, “I’m very happy that we win and it was a very important game. We payed well throughout and I’m fortunate to have such a great opportunity from coach Danny. I’m going to play hard, give defense and do what I can do to help the team.”

Lotan Amsalem looked back at the loss, “We were ok for the most part in this game and we tried to keep their runs to a minimum but it’s disappointing that we weren’t able to win the game. We have a new player in Bryce Brown just arrived and things will start to improve. We have to take it step by step and make this franchise proud.”