Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv survived a thriller to defeat Hapoel Afula 92-89 at the Menora Mivtachim Arena and improve to a 16-3 record in the Israeli Premier League. The reigning champions relied on clutch free throws by Levi Randolph to secure the W in a back-and-forth battle.

Roman Sorkin continued his good form as he led the scoring for the yellows with 21 points. Randolph and Trevion Williams each added 17 to help  Maccabi get back to winning ways in the local competition.

Coach Oded Kattash welcomed back Rokas Jokubaitis, who recovered from an ankle injury and chipped in with 11 points. The yellows played without captain John DiBartolomeo, who returned from Villeurbanne with back pain. The bad news is that Jasiel Rivero also injured his ankle in the second half and did not return to the court.

Maccabi’s next challenge is a “home” game in Belgrade against Monaco on Thursday.