The Tel Aviv Derby has been for some time just an ordinary Super League game. But there is always somebody who makes sure that it will get out of control. Once again it was Hapoel’s captain Gili Mosenzon who slapped Maceo Baston in the 16th minute. Baston reacted furiously and referee Yaron Zarif ejected both of them. This happened with Maccabi leading 23-19. At the break Maccabi’s lead was 33-26 in a bad first half when the Yellows missed all six three points attempts, had 9 turnovers and allowed Hapoel 9 offensive rebounds. Pini Gershon’s team improved after the break. Led by a determined Tal Burstein, Maccabi took complete control and by the end of the period were 55-38 up. The biggest margin was 67-44 with four minutes to go and the final score 75-54. Maccabi dominated most parameters: 58% FG to 29% but a poor outcome from the line 18-30 (60%). Rebound: Maccsabi 39, Hapoel 33 (offence 15). Assists 14-6 for Maccabi but 15 TO. Valuation: Maccabi 98, Hapoel 37. Tal Burstein was MVP for the night with 16 pts in 58% FG, 5 rbds, 3 asts & 1 stl. A fine game for Yaniv Green with 12 pts in 60% FG, 7 rbds & 1 blocked shot. The only weak point – the free throws (6-11). Anthony Parker made 12 pts, 2 rbds & 3 asts. Other Maccabi scorers: Baston 8, Sharp 8, Vujcic 7, Shason 7 pts, 7 rbds & 4 asts, Solomon 5 pts. Top scorers for Hapoel: Farrington 14 , Katz 11, Roberts 11 pts & 6 rbds.