Hapoel Jerusalem crushed by Peristeri in BCL play

Mar 13, 2024 | Holyland Hoops

Hapoel Jerusalem was crushed by Peristeri 76-61 in Basketball Champions League Round of 16 Group Stage play to put as they will now enter the final gameday next week ending a win over Karsiyaka to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.

The Greeks came our passing controlled the tempo from the get go with Joe Ragland leading the way to take a 44-37 lead at halftime. The Reds tried to cut down the slim advantage but Ragland and Elijah Mitrou-Long were too much for Speedy Smith and the rest of the Jerusalem squad as they cruised to the victory.

Smith scored 10 points as JaCorey Williams, Levi Randolph and Khadeen Carrington all scored 9 points in the loss. Ragland scored 16 points, Mitrou-Long added 15 points and Trevor Thompson scored 10 points in the win.

Ilaias Kantzouris – Photo credit: Yehuda Halickman


“There are not a lot not things for us to keep from this game,” Ilias Kantzouris said. “We didn’t show up on offense and there was a lack of energy. We have to be more ready and we didn’t execute. We were always late on loose balls and we have to wait another week not to play Karsiyaka in order to advance to the Elite 8.”

“We accomplished great great things,” Peristeri coach Vasilis Spanoulis began. “We were able to beat great teams in the BCL like Hapoel and Karsikaya and we have the smallest budget by far of the group. This is the toughest group in the history of the BCL. We played amazing and we gave up only 61 points and only 7 in the last quarter. These are huge numbers for our defense.”

Brynton Lemar -Photo credit: BCL


Brynton Lemar reflected on the loss, “It was a tough game, Peristeri came ready and we were lacking a little energy and missing assignments that we are normally accustomed to. This is the BCL and every game is tough. We have to get back to our identity and I am sure we will. Our goal is to get as far as we can and get to the Elite 8.”

Nate Renfro spoke about the victory, “We came in knowing it was an important game for us and that it was do or die in BCL. Defensively to only allow 61 point to Jerusalem who are a great team was great for us as we went back to our identity.”

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