Maccabi Tel Aviv began their Israeli league title defense with a convincing 81-66 win at Maccabi Rishon Le’Zion. After a tight first half, the yellow-and-blue played lockdown defense in the third quarter holding the hosts to just 9 third quarter points as they ran away with the 15 point win. Omri Casspi was the the star of the show in his return to the domestic league with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, potential NBA Draft Lottery Pick Deni Avdija led all scorers with 15 points while Jake Cohen added 11 points and 11 boards in the victory. Darryl Monroe scored 13 points and Oz Blayzer chipped in with 12 points for Rishon.

Hapoel Holon dropped Hapoel Tel Aviv 89-75 as the hosts busted the game open in the third quarter. Latavious Williams had a monster game with 23 points and 14 rebounds while TJ Cline added 18 points, 8 boards and 7 assists in the win. Budding star Yam Madar scored 20 points and Tomer Ginat chopped in with 14 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Hapoel Jerusalem beat Nes Ziona 93-81 to open the season on the right foot in a game that featured 7 players in double digits. J’Covan Brown once again was the catalyst for the Reds with 21 points, Idan Zalmanson added 14 points while Suleiman Braimoh chipped in for 13 points and 7 boards. Veteran guard Raviv Limonad making his debut for Nes Ziona scored 17 points and and added 8 assists in the loss.

Ironi Nahariya just slipped by Hapoel Eilat 63-61 down south by the Red Sea. Dominic Waters scored 13 points while Jerel McNeal and Jeff Adrien each scored 12 points in the win. Kyvon Davenport scored 12 points while Eric Anderson added 11 points and 18 rebounds for Eilat.

Hapoel Gilboa/Galil shocked Hapoel Beer Sheva 100-73. Justin Tillman led all scorers with 24 points and 11 rebounds and Jamar Gulley added 19 points in the win while TJ Williams paced Beer Sheva with 21 points in the loss.