Maccabi beat Maccabi Rishon LeZion 87:68, although missing three key players. Tomorrow, they will face a new but familiar challenge – a clash with Hapoel Jerusalem for a place in the final (2:30 pm local time, 7:30 am ET). Those three players – Scottie Wilbekin, Jalen Reynolds and Derrick Williams are this time included in the squad for the game, replacing Angelo Caloiaro, Kam Taylor and Ante Zizic. The full list for the game: John DiBartolomeo, Scottie Wilbekin, Keenan Evans, Ido Menchel, Derrick Williams, Jalen Reynolds, Roman Sorkin, Oz Blayzer, Jake Cohen, James Nunnally, Oded Brandwein and Yiftach Ziv.

“Relatively to the beginning of the season, we were pretty good against Rishon,” said the Greek coach. “From the 15th minute, we played the basketball we want to play, and I’m sure that as we progress, we will play better and better”.

When asked about the semifinals on Friday, Sfairopoulos replied: “This is just the start of the season. Both teams are unprepared yet, especially us, but we will try to play the best we can.”

“We didn’t start the game the way we wanted, but I like the way we fought back,” added Maccabi’s captain, John DiBartolomeo, who played well in the quarterfinals (8 points, three assists). “Jerusalem would be a good challenge for us, and I’m expecting an excellent basketball game.”