The locals opened strong, Spahija’s squad made numerous comeback attempts but ended up coming short as Ashdod got the 86:79 win
Coach Spahija’s starting five: Cole, Kane, John-Di, Art
and Jake. Ashdod was the first to score but Art reacted immediately. Ashdod completed a 7:0 run to take the 11:5 lead forcing coach Spahija to call for a timeout. Henry increased the locals lead to 14:7, but Roll and Kane kept Maccabi in the game (18:14). Cole scored four points to tie the game as the first quarter came to an end (18:18).Ashdod took a
five point lead (25:20) early in the second quarter. Cole and Roll brought Maccabi to within a striking distance (29:27). Long scored a three pointer, but Karam reacted with a three point play. Ashdod fired on all cylinders as they increased their lead to 37:30 with four minutes remaining in the first half. Both teams exchanged shots as Ashdod kept their seven points lead at half time with the scoreboard showing 43:36.Ashdod increased their lead to 49:36 two minutes into the third quarter. Kane and Cole made sure that Ashdod’s run will be contained as they still trailed 53:45, Tyus connected with Cole as the visitors continued their comeback (53:52) forcing coach Greenberg to call for a timeout. Levi and Long increased Ashdod’s lead to 62:52, but Thomas scored a
three pointer at the end of the third quarter (65:55).Henry and Long sparked a 7:2 run at the beginning of the fourth as Ashdod increased their lead to 72:57, but Tyus and Thomas reacted with a 6:0 run (72:63). Maccabi started another comeback as Roll’s
three pointer (74:69) forced coach Greenberg to call for a timeout. Ariel increased the local’s lead to 79:69, Tyus and Cole reacted (79:74) with two minutes remaining in the game. Ashdod made another run but Roll and John-Di made a one possession game (82:79), Ariel scored both of his free throws to make it 84:79 from which the visitors couldn’t recover as Ashdod grabs the 86:79 win.
