Nikola Vujcic needed two more rebounds to acieve his econd triple double of the season. His personal performance was one of the reasons Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv beat Ironoi Iscar Nhariya 86-82.
After an even first half (42-40 for Maccabi), the Yellows started the third period with an aggressive defense and ran 21-6 to open a 17 pts lead (63-46). But then they relaxed an the visitors, with the excellent Cory Carr, came back to 67-55 at the end of the period.
With four minutes to go and the score 79-70, Ottis Hill fouled out and it looked like the end of the road for Nahariya. But Carr, Peleg & Ben David scored some valuable points. With 11 seconds on the clock, Carr shot a three pointer to make it 85-82. Solomon added one more point to assure the victory.
In spite of the exceelent game of Vujcic & Baston, Nahariya held an edge in rebounds (35-32)/ Maccabi had 73% in 2 pts shots but only 2-13 in 3 pts. The home team had 19 turnovers but also 21 assists.
Vujcic was MVP for thenight with 23 pts in 68% FG and 100% FT, 8 rbds & 10 assists. Baston also scored 23 pts un 90% FG, 4 rbds & 2 bsts. Anthony Parker scored 17 pts in 88% FG` pulled down 5 rbds and dished out 5 assists.
Other Maccabi scorers: Solomon 10, Green 6, Burstein 5, Sharp 2.
Top scorers for Nahariya: Carr 29, Pelef 15, Wells & Hill 12 pts each.