Hapoel Jerusalem 72-67 Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Jerusalem started the game out strong taking a quick 8-2 lead with the help of Lior Eliyahu who ended the first frame with 10 points. Tel Aviv chipped away at the lead to pull within 2 points, 10-8 but Jerusalem coach Danny Franco made a couple of substitutions late in the quarter to take an 18-12 lead after ten minutes.

The second quarter saw Hapoel Jerusalem maintain their six point lead ending the half up 37-31. Yotam Halperin’s strong play, knocking down 7-points helped the Jerusalem Reds stay in front after a terrific frame by Tel Aviv’s Jeff Allen (14pts) who dropped 8-points of his own finishing the first 20 minutes with a team high 12 points.

Jerusalem came out of the break increasing their lead up to nine points but a fierce run by Tel Aviv brought the two teams even at 46-46. John Williamson (11pts, 9rbs) and Tre Simmons(10pts) each scored 5-points a piece in the quarter but Lior Eliyahu’s seven points kept Jerusalem ahead 51-48 as the game headed into the last quarter.

Tel Aviv fought valiantly to take a lead in the final frame as Raviv Limonad scored 12 of his 18 points in the quarter. However, a slew of missed shots and free throws along with a late traveling call on Limonad did the visitors in as Jerusalem took the win 72-67.