Maccabi finished the first quarter ahead but the visitors imposed their will as they entered the fourth quarter ahead, Norris Cole led an amazing comeback to secure a win just before the regular season comes to an end
Coach Spahija’s starting five: Pargo, John-Di, Kane, Bolden
and Tyus. Both teams struggled to score at the beginning but John-Di ended the drought from distance, Pargo and Tyus scored as well giving the hosts the early 9:2 lead. Ziv completed a 5:0 run for Naharya but Tyus reacted (11:7). John-Di’s three pointer kept Maccabi ahead 17:12 with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter. The yellows finished the first quarter strong with Thomas and Pargo scoring giving Maccabi the 25:19 lead after 10 minutes.Naharya completed back to back three point plays to tie the game (25:25); Maccabi reacted with Tyus and Bolden as they took the 32:29 lead. Livingston tied the game with a
three pointer (34:34). Maccabi and Naharya exchanged with the visitors capitalizing; Kane was the last to score in the second quarter as Maccabi trail 42:43 at halftime.Naharya increased their lead to 44:51 at the beginning of the third quarter, but Cole reacted with five points to trim Naharya’s lead down to 49:51. Young’s three pointer gave the visitors the 61:52 lead. With just under a minute in the third quarter Young completed a three point play, but Cole and Cohen brought the yellows closer to Naharya as the third quarter came to an end (62:67).
Both teams traded baskets at the beginning of the fourth with Naharya capitalizing again to take the 68:74 lead. Cole and Tyus took control over the game on both ends of the court to tie the game (74:74). Cohen and Cole completed Maccabi’s comeback as they took the 83:77 lead. With just over two minutes remaining in the game Cole’s made free throws gave the yellows the 90:79 lead. Naharya tried to make another comeback but Cole, John-Di and Tyus made sure Maccabi will get the 94:87 win.
