By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Sylvain Francisco had 23 points and four assists, but it was the team effort in the closing minutes that led BAXI Manresa to the 73-68 win in Israel over Hapoel Jerusalem. Jalen Adams with 24 points was the only scorer in double digits for the hosts, in a roster that includes among others, Anthony Bennett and Thons Maker.
Despite a 10-2 start by the hosts, the game was close from wire to wire with many lead changes. Hapoel got a 33-32 advantage at halftime, Manresa entered the last period trailing by two (50-48) and led by three (61-58) with five minutes left.
Adams with a big three gave back to Hapoel the lead (67-66) entering the last minute of the game, but Elias Valtonen answered back with a three (69-67) after an assist by Francisco.
In the next possession Adams missed two free throws, Ismael Bako got the rebound for Manresa and made one of two (70-67) with the game ending up being a shootout from the foul line. Retin Obasohan made one of two for Hapoel (70-68), Valtonen missed twice for Manresa, and Kaiser Gates had the chance for a three but couldn’t make it for the hosts.
With five seconds on the clock, Chima Moneke was sent again into the line and made one of two, giving to Manresa a 71-68 advantage.
Hapoel had one last chance, but Guillem Jou of Manresa stole the ball, he was fouled and the game was over. Hapoel dropped to 0-2 and Manresa is tied with Karsiyaka at 2-02 in the top of Group B standings.