By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After tipping off the preseason schedule with a narrow win, 79-78, versus Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem on Monday, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv featured debuting Patrick Beverley and beat Elitzur Ironi Netanya, 92-75, in Hadar Yosef Sports Center on Saturday.
Beverley, 36, was in the starting lineup, helping in a 24-0 opening run. Adjusting to his new role, he ended up with three points from the free-throw line. Besides struggling to score, he dished out six assists and constantly put in the extra effort in defense.
Johnathan Motley scored 27 points, Ben Bentil had 14 points, and Joe Ragland added 11 points. Recent signing Bruno Caboclo was unavailable. Yonatan Rabinowitz and Miron Ruina sat out due to minor injuries. The lead in the Tel Aviv venue went from nearing the 30-point mark to seven points in the fourth quarter before returning to a safe distance down the stretch.
In other notable prep games, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet edged out Igokea m:tel, 82-77, and La Laguna Tenerife overcame a 25-point showing of Chima Moneke to defeat Baskonia, 78-74. EA7 Emporio Milan and Virtus Segafredo Bologna opened their respective schedules against Openjobmetis Varese and Carpegna Prosciutto Pesaro but scores were reset after each quarter.
List of friendly games for all 18 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams
Defending champion in the Basketball Champions League, Unicaja won Copa de Andalucia for the 17th time thanks to a win, 80-77, against Coviran Granada in Cordoba. In Sant Julia de Vilatorta, Valencia took down Baxi Manresa, 105-93.