By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After defeating Galatasaray at their temporary home in Belgrade, Hapoel Jerusalem notches another win at the start of the Basketball Champions League regular season.
In the game that lasted a bit longer than expected due to a clock malfunction before the start of the second half, Aleksandar Dzikic was pretty much in control since the second quarter, to grab a convincing 66-84 victory.
Levi Randolph had 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists, but shot 7/18 from the field for a PIR of 21. Maurice Ndour followed with 14 points and seven boards (PIR 19), while Zach Hankins had another efficient match, finishing with 11 points and eight rebounds for a PIR of 20 in less then 20 minutes. Speedy Smith and Chris Johnson followed them with 10 points each.
Ivan Almeida led Benfica with 18 points and seven rebounds, former Partizan player Trey Drechsel added 14 with six boards, while Betinho Goems also finished in double digits with 12 points, all scored from beyond the arc (4/8 for three).
The hosts had a strong start to the game, finishing the first quarter with a solid 24-17 lead. Soon it proved not to be that solid, as Hapoel turned things around with a 14-3 run, eventually going into halftime with a 39-46 lead. Benfica fought, but started losing steam in the dying minutes of the third period, and Hapoel entered the final 10 minutes with an improved 54-64 lead. Aleksandar Dzikic’s side remained confidently in front after the break, finishing with a game-high 66-84 difference in their favor.
After a postponed match in the first round, Hapoel is now 2-0, while Benfica fell to 1-1, tied with PAOK, but ahead of the Greek side on point difference. Galatasaray remains last in the standings without a win in two matches.
Hapoel is heading to Thessaloniki next week to face PAOK (15/11), while Galatasaray will host Benfica at home (14/11).
Postgame press conference
Photo: fiba.basketball