This game will not go into the history books of Tel Aviv Derbys mainly because Hapoel have no team this season to match the Yellows even when they are not at their best. The 8 pts difference indicates that it was a close game. But there was no time when it looked that the Reds can cause a surprise. Hapoel Led 18-12 in the seventh minute but by the end of the first quarter Maccabi were 25-20 up. Efi Birenbaum’s players scored only 10 pts in the second period and at half time Maccabi’s lead was 44-30. Pini Gershon’s team stalled in the third quarter and Hapoel ran 25-10 to come within one point (56-55). Maccabi opened the final period on 60-57. Will Solomon got a technical and was taken off . Three consecutive three pointes by Tal Burstein got Maccabi to 75-64 and finally 80-72. Maccabi made 44% in three pointers to Hapoel 18% (3-17). They also had the edge on free throws: 12-14 to 7-12 for Hapoel. In all other categories there was no difference between the teams. Another great game for Jamie Arnold, playing in for Maceo Baston and had an index rating of 38. He scored 22 pts in 69% FG, 80% in FT, pulled down 13 rbds, dished out 4 assists and made 2 blocked shots. Tal Burstein also made 22 pts (6-7 for three), made 4 steals and grabbed 3 rbds. Other Maccabi scorers: Vujcic 11 & 4 asts, Parker 10, Solomon 9, Sharp 3, Casspi 3. Green & Shason did not score. Top scorers for Hapoel: Lamizana 19 pts & 6 rbds, Farrington 16 & 5 rbds & Hatten 16 pts & 5 rbds.