After losing to Panathinaikos, Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv wanted to get back to winning ways against Naharya. The yellows had the edge over the visitors in the first half, Naharya completed the comeback in the third however in the fourth quarter Roll and Thomas took control over the game as they secured the 95:86 home win.  On Thursday Maccabi will try to keep their playoffs dream alive against Baskonia.

Coach Spahija’s starting five: Bolden, John-Di, Kane, Cole and Cohen. Naharya tried to set the tempo as they got the early 4-8 lead, Cole and Thomas completed an 8:0 run (12:9), Ziv tied the game; Kane and John-Di made sure the yellows will stay ahead (17:14). With two minutes remaining in the first, Maccabi were up 21:20, Cole and Thomas connected to increase the hosts’ lead (23:20). Naharya managed to beat the buzzer as they trailed 25:22 at the end of the first quarter.

Both teams exchanged baskets at the beginning of the second quarter with the yellows capitalizing (33:28) three minutes into the quarter. Nash completed a 5:0 run for the visitors (33:33), Kane scored four points as the yellows reclaim the 37:33 lead. The hosts increased their lead to 42:37 forcing Naharya to call for a timeout. Both teams struggled to impose their will as the first half came to an end with the hosts having the 47:44 lead.

Both teams exchanged baskets with Naharya capitalizing as they took the 52:54 lead. Nash increased the visitors’ lead (52:57). Maccabi completed an 8:1 run to take 60:58 lead with just over three minutes remaining. Naharya managed to finish the third quarter strong as they take the 63:66 lead.  

Ziv and Zoosman exchanged threes at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Douglas increased the visitors lead to 66:72, Roll and Cohen kept Maccabi within a striking distance (75:73) with just over six minutes remaining in the game. John-Di and Roll continued the yellow run as Maccabi took back their lead (77:75) with five minutes remaining in the game. Thomas completed the three point play but Nash reacted to keep Naharya close (80:78). Thomas and Cohen increased Maccabi’s lead to 86:80 with two minutes remaining in the game a lead that only grew until the end as the hosts get the 95:86 win.