Hapoel Holon demolished Legia Warsaw 101-79 in a game that was never that close to move back into first place with one game remaining in the Basketball Champions League opening group stages. With the win, Guy Goodes squad was able to not only regain first place but put themselves in position to get a bye to the Round of 16 Group Stages as they now sit with a record of 4-1 ahead of second place Galatasaray who lost to Oostende and are now 3-2. Should the purples finish in second they will have to take part in the best of 3 Play In playoff in order to advance to the Round of 16.

Holon jumped out to a commanding 25-13 lead and never looked back as Joe Ragland set the competition’s assist record with 18 helpers while Chris Johnson score 25 points and Erick Green added 23 points as every player scored in the convincing victory. Bill Garrett led Warsaw with 19 points and Ray McCallum added 16 points in the loss.

We had the defensive intensity from the outset and we were first to every ball,” Guy Goodes said. “I am happy ghat we opened strong and we were able to keep the gap throughout the game. I am happy for joe as he broke they record but I am happy for the entire team. Chris is a very important player defensively for us and like I have said if we could have 12 CJ’s I would be very happy. We will go to Belgium to do the utmost to win and take first place.”

Joe Ragland spoke about his record breaking contest, “It was a game that we needed for the win. I brought energy the way I could and I facilitated. As long as it benefits the team, it’s 50/50 for me, scoring or passing is all the same. I came in early and got some work in. We moved the ball and everyone got touches and it was a good team win. The Final Four like last year is the goal.”