Despite a good start, an Italian run in the second half decided the Giannakopoulos tournament’s semi-final (71:80). Hilliard scored 18 points
It was the hardest test Oded Kattash’s players faced in the preparation so far, but after 10 minutes it looked great. The Yellows took a 12-point lead looking great on both sides of the court before Ettore Messina’s experienced team showed its strengths and eventually prevailed.
On Saturday, Maccabi will face the loser of the other semi-final between Panathinaikos and Anadolu Efes.
Maccabi’s scorers: Darrun Hilliard 18 points, Alex Poythress 12, Wade Baldwin (5 assists) and Austin Hollins 11 points, John DiBartolomeo 7, Rafi Menko 5, Jake Cohen 3, Jarell Martin 2, Bonzie Colson and Josh Nebo 1 point each.
