It didn’t look great at the beginning. Maccabi struggled to score in the opening minutes, allowing Monaco to take an early 13-5 lead. A three-pointer from Lorenzo Brown and points from Bonzie Colson leveled the score at 13-13. However, the visitors’ defense improved significantly, allowing them to finish the first quarter with a 24-17 lead.

The Yellows’ response was clinical. Wade Baldwin’s incredible alley-oop and four straight three-pointers from Jake Cohen and Brown helped Maccabi secure a stunning 20-0 run, with the fans at Menora Mivtachim Arena providing an electrifying atmosphere. Maccabi led 47-36 at halftime.

The momentum was carried to the second half, big time. Brown’s fifth three-pointer of the evening increased the lead to 19 points (69-50), and Baldwin’s long three-pointer sealed the deal, giving Maccabi a 79-53 lead after three quarters. The final ten minutes saw both teams trading baskets while waiting for the final buzzer.

Game 5 on Wednesday will be a win-or-go-home game. A victory in Monaco will send Maccabi back to the Final Four after nine years. With the spirit they showed today, the Yellows have a great chance of achieving this significant milestone.