By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Commanding display for Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem produces the lopsided win, 84-42, over Hapoel Gilboa Galil Monday.
John Egbunu piled up 14 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and one steal in 16 minutes. Belgian international Retin Obasohan shared the game-high 14 points and experienced swingman K.C. Rivers logged 11 more points as their side clinched a berth in the Semifinals of Israel’s Winner League Playoffs. Jalen Adams was held to four points and 2/10 field goals but piled up 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
The lone double-digit scorer of the hosts was Derek Cooke wrapping up his 2021-22 campaign with a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Jerusalem outfit, coached by Yotam Halperin, won the Quarterfinals best-of-five series, 3-1. Following a home loss in Game 1, Hapoel Jerusalem dominated the next three games to advance. Game 4 featuring the first double-digit advantage at the end of the first quarter and the lead growing over 30 points in the fourth quarter made out the latest solid showing.
Up next will be a best-of-three series opposite Hapoel U-NET Holon. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Bnei Ofek Dist Herzeliya will battle it out in the other matchup of the Semifinals. Surviving sides meeting each other in a new best-of-three series will conclude the 2021-22 campaign and crown the champion.
Winner League Semifinals:
Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (1) – Hapoel U-NET Holon (4)
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2) – Bnei Ofek Dist Herzeliya (3)
Action will resume later this week.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League