Hapoel Jerusalem came up short against Rytas Batchesehir 94-82 as their 11-game EuroCup winning streak was snapped and their record dropped to 12-3 in Group A but remained in first place. Justin Smith and Khadeen Carrington began the game with points a plenty for Hapoel Jerusalem Mateusz Ponitka and Malachi Flynn knotted the game up at 49-49 at halftime. Caleb Homesley scored five straight points and Flynn also put in points to take a 70-58 lead after thirty minutes.

Carrington and Jared Harper tried to cut into the gap but Hale Hunter, Tyler Cavanaugh along with Flynn scored to capture the victory. Carrington scored 25 points, Smith added 15 points and Harper scored 11 points in the loss. Flynn scored 22 points, Homesley put in 16 points as Ponitka and Cavanaugh each scored 11 points in the victory.

Hapoel Jerusalem Head Coach Yonatan Alon talked about the loss, “We didn’t make shots and we fell into their aggressiveness, we gave them some open looks that shouldn’t happen and we played against a very good team. Now we have to bounce back.”

Hapoel Holon were bested by Rytas 106-81 as the purples opened up the Champions League Round of 16 on the wrong foot. Jordan Caroline, Jerrick Harding and Kay Bruhnke scored for Rytas while Xavier Munford and Derrick Walton answered for Hapoel Holon, but the Lithuanians took a 45-33 at halftime.

Jordan Walker, Arturas Gudaitis and Simonas Lukosius poured in the points while Walton and Munford tried to keep the purples close but Rytas rolled to the 25-point win. Munford scored 23 points and Walton added 15 points in the loss while Walker scored 20 points Gudaitis put in 14 points as Harding and Caroline each scored 13 points in the win.

Holon Head Coach Yoav Shamir shared his thoughts on the game, “A lot of thanks to the fans that traveled from Israel with us, we appreciate it. The problem we had was not finding our rhythm and credit to Ryutas for that. We are in the midst of a very busy schedule but we are looking forward to continuing the Round of 16 in the BClL as we have plans moving forward and getting better.”

Xavier Munford discussed the clash, “It was a tough game for us but a good test. Rytas is a good team and they played very physical and very hard and they got us. But we are looking forward to getting better and moving on.”