Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv was overwhelmed by Hapoel Tel Aviv at Nokia Arena in the first derby of the season, 78-58. Smith was Maccabi’s high scorer with 20 points.
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By Amy Samin
Starters for Maccabi were Yogev Ohayon, Jake Cohen, Brian Randle, Devin Smith, and Jeremy Pargo. Hapoel got off to a better start than Maccabi and quickly racked up a 16-4 lead in the first five minutes. The yellows were able to get to the basket but didn’t score, except for Randle. Despite points in the paint by Sofo Schortsanitis and Cohen, Hapoel continued to grow their lead, and the period ended with the score 25-10.
The momentum remained with Hapoel in the second quarter as well, and they cruised to 32-12 halfway through the period. Sofo and Tyus were able to minimize the damage with both points and tough defense, but Hapoel continued to take advantage of Maccabi’s poor shooting percentages, and the half ended with the reds holding a 36-18 lead.
Smith gave Maccabi their first three pointer of the game in the first minute of the third quarter, but from there it was all Hapoel and the period ended with the score 55-34.
The fourth quarter was mostly garbage time, with only Smith making a real effort to keep Maccabi in the game. Coach Goodes was thrown out of the game by the referees with four minutes left, and in the end Hapoel Tel Aviv overwhelmed Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv 78-58.
