Coach Spahija’s starting five: Kane, Pargo, Cohen, Black and John-Di. The yellows started the game swinging but Ashdod stayed close (9:7). John-Di and Pargo were focused on offense as Maccabi completed a 10:2 run (19:11). Weiss brought Ashdod closer to Spahija’s squad, but Zoosman kept Ashdod at bay (23:20). Milbourne gave Ashdod the edge (23:24) but O’Bryant had the final say in the first quarter with the yellows having the 25:24 lead.

Zoosman scored a corner three at the beginning of the second quarter (28:24), Tyus increased Maccabi’s lead as he connected with a beautiful for a thunderous dunk; Weiss and Milbourne made it 30:28 but Wilbekin answered from distance (33:28). Weiss scored another three pointer but this time it was Zoosman who reacted for Maccabi; Avdija showed tremendous hustle enroute of a three point play (39:31) with under four minutes remaining in the first half. Avdija scored a corner three right at the buzzer to give Maccabi the 46:34 lead at halftime.

Cohen and Wilbekin scored back to back threes at the beginning of the third quarter to increase Maccabi’s lead (52:34). Maccabi’s great ball movement resulted in a three pointer scored by Zoosman who made it 60:41. Spahija’s squad converted great defense into instant offense forcing coach Greenberg to call for a timeout with the scoreboard showing 64:41. O’Bryant found Cohen for a corner three and then scored one of his own making it 70:46. Ashdod’s late damage control was cut short with an ankle breaking step back three pointer to give Maccabi the 80:56 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Spahija’s squad opened the fourth the same way they finished the third – firing on all cylinders as they completed a 10:0 run forcing coach Greenberg to call for a timeout (90:56). Maccabi’s prolific offense crossed the 100 points barrier as they claim the 103:59 win over Ashdod in the first game of the season.