Maccabi Tel Aviv players laid out the welcome mat for their new coach, Zan Tabak, by moving to the top of the league with a 78-75 win over Hapoel Rishon LeZion.

The Yellows took the first quarter by a nine point margin which, despite losing every other quarter, was enough to give them a narrow victory.

Ike Ofoegbu dominated for the visitors with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, while Mark Lyons was the game’s top scorer – dropping 17 points for the hosts.

Ironi Nahariya jumped into second place after taking a 72-67 victory against Hapoel Jerusalem.

Gilbert Brown and Cameron Clark both led the scoring charts for Nahariya with 15 points while Richard Howell pulled down 13 rebounds. D’or Fischer played well for the visitors with 12 points and 9 boards but it wasn’t enough for Hapoel who lost their second game in a row and fell to ninth place.

Maccabi Ashdod sit in third spot after taking a big 91-74 win at Ironi Nes Ziona. Diante Garrett netted 22 points while Or Solomon found a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Kiryat Gat 83-70 as Robert Rothbart and Talor Battle both netted 18 points for the Reds.

Maccabi Haifa took a 66-62 home win over Hapoel Holon. The Greens put in a good team performance to win the match, while Holon were led by Will Clyburn who scored 24 points and collected 8 rebounds.

Hapoel Eilat took a 84-75 win at home against Bnei Herzeliya. Afik Nisim led for the hosts with 19 points while Elishay Kadir scored 11 with 12 rebounds.