Hapoel Jerusalem 81-69 Union Olimpija Ljubljana
Yotam Halperin and Bar Timor finished with 12 points each while Amare Stoudemire chipped in 11 points leading Hapoel Jerusalem to consecutive home victories. Hapoel dominated every aspect of the contest from beginning to end, playing fantastic defense which led to an even offensive effort with all of the Reds players contributing.
The win puts Hapoel into the next round of the EuroCup but will look to finish as high in the group as possible to get a favorable draw in the next round. Devin Oliver had 18 points for Ljubljana but it would be too little on this night. After dropping five in a row last month, Hapoel have blown out their past two opponents at home and will look to continue their fine form Saturday night against Rishon Le’Zion.
Jordi Bertomeu, President, Chairman and CEO of the Euroleague Basketball Comlnay which oversees both the Euroleague and EuroCup was in attendance at the Jerusalem Arena for the first time together with Hapoel owner Ori Allon. The Reds have been looking for a way into the prestigious Euroleague for a number of years and Bertomeu’s presence was a positive step in the right direction for the capital city side to gain admission to the lucrative tournament. With close to 10,000 fans packed into the facility, Hapoel set a EuroCup attendance record (9720) for the 2016/17 season amongst all teams in the competition that will surely bode well when it comes to consideration hopefully on the near future.
Simone Pianigiani, Head Coach Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem said after the game:
“I’m happy we qualified for the next round with two games in hand. It’s important for the club and for all the fans that gave us amazing energy tonight. We need to continue our way and finish in the best position possible.”
Rishon Le’Zion crushed Khimik, 74-48 at home in the FIBA Basketball Champions League. Javon Mccrea led the scoring with 17 points, while Patrick Richard finished with 13 points for Rishon. Serhii Pavlov ended the night with 10 points for Khimik. Rishon’s next European match in at home against Kataj.
Ironi Nahariya 75-54 Fraport Skyliners
Ironi Nahariya cruised to a 75-54 victory over Fraport Skyliners in the Northern Israeli city. Gilbert Brown led the way with 23 points for Nahariya, while Yancy Gates had 19 points. Ekene Ibekwe dropped 11 points for the Skyliners. Nahariya travels next to Bandirma for Gameday 8.
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