By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Hapoel Jerusalem advanced to the Eurocup Top 16 after defeating Union Olimpija 81 – 69 at home in a manner perhaps easier than what the final score shows.
The Israelis had an offensively powerful first half to lead 49 – 36 and after intensifying their defensive game as well, they gained an advantage of 22 points, 72 – 50 at the beginning of the fourth period. Even though their rhythm was then down-tuned a bit, Union Olimpija couldn’t do much against such a deficit.
The trio of Amare Stoudemire (11 points, 6 rebounds), Yotam Halperin (12 points) and Jerome Dyson (12 points) led the winners in scoring. For the Slovenian squad, Devin Oliver (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Nikola Jankovic (11 points, 10 rebounds) finished the game registering double-doubles.