After a break of three years, the Tel Aviv Derby was back with its special atmosphere, tension and some exciting basketball. Maccabi had the last word with a 82-75 win but Hapoel came ot as worth opponents.
The Usishkin Hall was stunned when Maccabi opened with a 14-0 run. At the end of the first quarter Maccabi led 31-17. Lior Lubin (the injured Udrih did not play) drove Maccabi to the biggest lead of 22 points – 47-25 with three minutes to half time. At the break Maccabi led 50-34.
Arik Shivek’s players came out determined and won the third period 22-12. The score at the end of the period 62-56 and in the first minute of the final period it became 62-60. But the depth of David Blatt’s bench was decisive and the Maccabi fans went home happy.
Man of the match – Lior Lubin with 23 pts ub 86% FG & 89% FT, 4 rbds & 2 Assists.
