Hapoel Jerusalem downed Kiryat Ata 84-67 as Yovel Zoosman who has been playing very well of late led the Reds to the win just ahead of their State Cup semifinal date against Hapoel Beer Sheva. Zoosman scored 19 points, Khadeen Carrington added 16 points and Nimrod Levi chipped in with 11 points in the win. Amin Stevens and Raz Adam each scored 14 points in the loss.

The game MVP Yovel Zoosman spoke about the victory, “We focused on the game and we tried not to turnover the ball near the end of the game but we were able to get back to ourselves. I’m working hard in practice and the staff wants me to be aggressive. We understand the importance of the State Cup game coming up and we are a club that strives for these opportunities.”

Hapoel Haifa got by Hapoel Beer Sheva 93-89 thanks to a huge 4th quarter by the Carmel Reds who were playing with only half a dozen players to take the comeback win. Marcus Bingham scored 22 points and grabbed 26 boards, Dakari Tucker added 22 points and Gershon scored 16 points in the win. Kris Bankston scored 20 points and Grant Sherfield chipped in with 19 points in the loss.

“A lot of guys were really exhausted but we were able to come up with a big 4th quarter,” Hapoel Haifa Head Coach Guy Goodes said. “We played with 3 imports but we had 6 veterans and we have to keep going while enjoying the game.”

“It’s very disappointing as we played well in the 3rd quarter and we were leading,” Haifa coach Oren Aharoni. “But in the 4th Haifa made some very big shots and they had a lot of experience on their side. Marcus Bingham and Amit Gershon hit a pair of triples and that decided the game. We are going to come into the State Cup game refreshed and relaxed and ready to go.”