By Amy Samin
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv was soundly defeated by Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli capital, 93-63 in week 5 of the Israeli Winner Sal League. Brian Randle and Guy Pnini led Maccabi's scorers with 13 points each; Sofo Schortsanitis added 12 points.
Maccabi's starters were Alex Tyus, Brian Randle, Jeremy Pargo, Yogev Ohayon, and Devin Smith. The start of the game was close, with Randle providing most of Maccabi's points and Hapoel taking a two point lead, 11-9, halfway through the period. The home team took a five point lead, but 8 straight points by Guy Pnini put Maccabi back on top 17-16 with two and a half minutes left in the quarter. A three pointer by Wright at the buzzer put Jerusalem in the lead 21-19.
The hosts extended their lead as the second quarter got underway, going to 25-21 after three minutes. More points by Randle, a triple by Smith and a layup off the glass by Tyus (assist Smith) made it 28-25 Maccabi after five minutes. Jerusalem went on a 9-0 scoring run that gave them a solid lead, though a huge bucket from downtown by Pnini narrowed the gap. Jerusalem continued to fight, and the half ended with Hapoel leading 40-32.
Eight points by Pargo in the early minutes of the third period kept Maccabi in the game, though they were matched by Jerusalem, 50-40 after four minutes. Then Sofo went on a scoring run of his own, making it 58-51 with two minutes left in the quarter. The period ended with the hosts still holding on to a comfortable lead, 63-56.
Maccabi quite simply did not show up for the fourth quarter of the game. Hapoel Jerusalem took advantage with a 28-2 run that put the finishing touches on a 93-63 thrashing of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv in week 5 of the Israeli Winner Sal League.