Hapoel Tel Aviv overwhelmed Maccabi Rishon Le’Zion 95-69 as Vasilije Micic and Oz Blayzer starred for the reds to even their quarterfinal series at 1-1 a piece and ensured that there would be a third and decisive game on Thursday. The winner of the series will then tip-off against Hapoel Jerusalem in the semifinals.

Dimitrios Itoudis’ squad took control of the game from the opening minutes and thanks largely to a strong performance by Tai Odiase, the host had few answers. The Reds’ defense looked outstanding at Beit Maccabi Arena, holding Rishon Le’Zion to a 42-31 lead at halftime. On the offensive end, it was Oz Blayzer who gradually found his rhythm, delivering an excellent 20-minute stretch that helped send Hapoel into halftime with a comfortable double-digit lead.

At the start of the second half, it still seemed that Guy Kaplan’s team was within striking distance, as the deficit remained in the low double digits thanks to solid minutes from Amin Stevens. However, Vasilije Micić then took complete control of the game and together with Yam Madar, put on a show, putting the Reds in front and from which the home side could not recover. The fourth quarter effectively turned into extended garbage time as the visitors cruised to victory.

Jonathan Motley scored 20 points, Micic scored 18 points and Blayzer added 16 points in the win while Stevens scored 19 points and Gabe Devo had 13 points in the loss.

Hapoel Tel Aviv Head Coach Dimitrios Itoudis, “The guys showed character here and we realized that we didn’t want to repeat what or performance in the first game. We will need to play well as we only tied the series. Vasa Micic has tons of experience and played a big game here. Our guards played very smart and found a way to take advantage of the situation. We have a deep bench and Oz Blayzer had a very good game. We just tied the series and we don’t want to finish here we want to continue.”

Maccabi Rishon Le’Zion Head Coach Guy Kaplan looked back at the loss, “The game really determines as to how Hapoel Tel Aviv comes into the game and they weren’t physical and aggressive in the first game. But regardless, if someone would have asked us if we would be happy to have the opportunity to play a third game before the series no one would have believed it.”

The game MVP Vasilije MIcic spoke about the win, “It was a good performance against a very well coached team, I like how they play and they gave us a good game last time, We had nothing to lose and we did what we needed to. For me, I wasn’t to be consistent and play my game and although I’ve had a lot of ups and downs I try to play the best that I can. We have great talent, hustle like crazy and give the best on my court.”