Maccabi got the job done against Eilat with a great team effort. Scottie shined with 21P, 5R, 4A and 3S. Roll (12P, 2R and 5A) and Johnny (15P & 2R) scored in double digits as well
Coach Sfairopoulos’ starting five: Wilbekin, Zoosman, Kane, Cohen and Black. Menko was the first to score but Maccabi reacted fast with Scottie and Jake to take the 6:2 lead. Zalmanson and Tokoto tied the game (8:8); the crew in yellow and blue managed to get some stops which they converted into instant offense to take the 15:8 lead. The southerners fought back only this time the yellows kept their composure with Tyus who completed the three-point play to keep Eilat at bay (20:15). Eilat capitalized on a technical called against Maccabi’s bench to finish the first quarter strong, trimming Maccabi’s lead to 22:20.
Tokoto scored at the beginning of the second quarter, O’Bryant answered but a poised Tokoto tied the game (24:24). Roll took control over the game with a mid-range jumper and two beautiful dimes to John-Di and Johnny to complete a 7:0 run for Maccabi (31:24). Tokoto and Skjoldebrand completed an 8:0 run as Eilat took the 31:32 edge. Both teams trade blows with the yellows being the ones to come out on top with the 40:37 lead with just under a minute left in the first half. Wilbekin saw the opening and he immediately capitalized on it with Maccabi having the 42:37 lead at halftime.
Braimoh started the third quarter with four points to keep his team close to the yellows (44:41). Kane and Zoosman tried to keep Eilat at bay but Skjoldebrand and Bryant tied the game (48:48). When push came to shove Scottie and Kane came up big making it 54:50. Ben Shimol made his off the dribble jumper but John-Di nailed it from downtown (57:52). Tokoto scored from the free throw line, Johnny answered with a corner three but it was Bryant had the final say in the third quarter keeping his team in the game (60:56).
The squad of coach Sfairopoulos entered the fourth quarter firing on all cylinders as they increased their lead to 65:58, Tokoto reacted but John-Di made another deep dagger to put Maccabi ahead in double digits (68:58). Eilat went on a 5:0 run forcing coach Sfairopoulos to call for a timeout with the scoreboard showing 70:67. Menko brought Eilat to within a striking distance but Scottie answered with a step-back three (73:69). Scottie was the man for coach Sfairopoulos keeping Maccabi ahead 77:73. Tokoto scored again but it was Wilbekin all over again with a dagger from downtown to make it 82:75. Menko refused to give up as he brought Eilat to within a striking distance, Roll made one of his free throws to keep Maccabi ahead 83:80 with 9.5 seconds left in the game. Skjoldebrand was fouled and he made both of his free throws (83:82) forcing coach Sfairopoulos to call for a timeout with 7.8 seconds remaining in the game; Zoosman was sent to the line and he kept his composure as he made both of his free throws giving Maccabi the 85:82 lead, Bryant made his first and missed the second; Eilat still had the ball and a chance to tie the game but great defensive work on the inbound pass by Zoosman and Scottie secured the 85:83 win as Maccabi advanced to the Championship game.
