The Yellow & Blue summarized the convincing win speaking mainly on the defense that stopped the top-ranked offense on 65 points. Sfairopoulos: “We had another good game during this latest stretch, I liked how we performed defensively”
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv is heating up at the right time, recording their fourth consecutive top division win on Saturday night, this time an 86:65 win over Hapoel Holon in Menora Mivtachim Arena. It was Yellow & Blue’s final home game of the regular season before playoff contention begins next week, as Giannis Sfairopoulos’s squad played a smooth team game. Six players scored over 8 points each, as 27 of the team’s 32 baskets came off of assists, adding to that 45% (9 of 20) from behind the arc.
Ante Zizic led the way with 15 points, Angelo Caloiaro contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, Dragan Bender and Scottie Wilbekin (4 assists, 4 steals) each scored 13 points. Omri Casspi had an overall excellent game, finishing with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Maccabi will complete the top division games on Monday on the road against Hapoel Jerusalem in the capital. Later this week, Maccabi will face Maccabi Rishon Le’Zion in the State Cup Finals.
“We had another good game during this latest stretch. I liked how we performed defensively, stopping the highest-scoring offense in the league to 65 points which was key for the victory”, Said head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos in his opening statement after the win. “Our players were very concentrated, followed the game plan, and by the way we played, we deserved to win. We have one last game against Jerusalem on Monday to close out the top division, and from there, focus on the cup game and get ready for the playoffs”.
“Overall, we had a good game. We need to continue to perform defensively in the same way we’ve shown tonight and for most minutes against Gilboa”, Added Omri Casspi, who performed well tonight, scoring 8 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing 5 assists. “Of course, we’ve lost valuable pieces like Elijah (Bryant) and Tyler (Dorsey), but it’s an opportunity for others to rise up for the challenge”.
