Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv erased a 15-point deficit, but failed to complete the comeback, suffering a 73-81 loss to Crvena Zvezda. The yellows concluded the first round of the EuroLeague with a 4-13 record, and will look to bounce back in the second half of the season.
In the absence of injured Centers Jasiel Rivero and Wenyen Gabriel, Roman Sorkin once again stepped up with a 21-point performance. But the Serbs, led by fomer Maccabist Giannis Sfairoploulos, frustrated the yellows’ back court all game long, which made a difference.
Zvezda went into the locker rooms with a 48-33 lead at the break, but Maccabi came roaring back to begin the second half. Led by Sorkin, Jaylen Hoard and Levi Randolph, the Israeli champs orchestrated a 17-0 run to take the lead. However, the hosts quickly took control back control over proceedings and never trailed again, with Joel Bolomboy leading with 17 points.
On Sunday, Maccabi will be back in local competition, visiting Hapoel Jerusalem for an important clash.
