This time around there were no heart attacks and no end-game drama – there was just good team basketball and a comfortable win. Maccabi Fox Tel Aviv handled Nahariya with a 99:69 win en route to the winner cup final.
The win set up the first match of the season against Hapoel Jerusalem. Maccabi got out to a running start, relying on much improved ball handling, as opposed to the game against Herzliya. Sonny Weems also continued his momentum with an even all-around performance, but it was big Maik Zirbes who dominated. The German center was the main beneficiary of Maccabi's well rounded offense and finished the game with 21 points (9-11 from the field).
DJ Seeley came off the bench and scored 18, Guy Pnini got 16, Weems had 15 with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Victor Rudd scored 9, Sylven Landsberg 7, Gal Mekel and Yogev Ohayon had 4 each, Dagan Yivzori 3 and Colton Iverson2.
"We try to utilize our talent within the system and today we did just that", said Coach Erez Edelstein, "now we have to build on this improvement and continue". Zirbes added: "I don't really care about my stats. Our goal. Especially in the preseason, is to play as a team and today we did just that".