After overcoming the Covid-19 outbreak and with a missing roster, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv started its preparation for the 2021/22 season with a 77:83 loss to Bnei Herzeliya at Menora-Mivtachim Arena. On Wednesday, Maccabi will face Maccabi Rishon Lezion in the quarterfinals of the Winner's Cup.
Giannis Sfairopoulos missed five key players: John DiBartolomeo, Scottie Wilbekin, Jalen Reynolds, and Yiftach Ziv. Without them, the hosts had difficulty getting into rhythm and chased the opponents most of the game.
Yet, sparks started to show in the last quarter, when Maccabi looked much better. A 14-point deficit was cut then - mainly thanks to a good performance of James Nunnally, who scored 14 of his 18 points in the final minutes - but unfortunately, it didn't affect the final result.
Maccabi's point leaders: Nunnally 18 points (5 rebounds), Evans 11 (5 assists), Cohen 11, Zizic 11 (6 rebounds, 4 assists), Caloiaro 9, Taylor 7, Sorkin 6, Brandwein 3, Blayzer 1.
Giannis Sfairopoulos missed five key players: John DiBartolomeo, Scottie Wilbekin, Jalen Reynolds, and Yiftach Ziv. Without them, the hosts had difficulty getting into rhythm and chased the opponents most of the game.
Yet, sparks started to show in the last quarter, when Maccabi looked much better. A 14-point deficit was cut then - mainly thanks to a good performance of James Nunnally, who scored 14 of his 18 points in the final minutes - but unfortunately, it didn't affect the final result.
Maccabi's point leaders: Nunnally 18 points (5 rebounds), Evans 11 (5 assists), Cohen 11, Zizic 11 (6 rebounds, 4 assists), Caloiaro 9, Taylor 7, Sorkin 6, Brandwein 3, Blayzer 1.