By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Crazy night in Tel Aviv, where the Game 2 Derby in the Israeli Super League Finals was delayed due to the flames erupting from the Hapoel’s fanbase area, which created so much smoke inside the arena that both teams had to come back into the locker rooms.
Once the game started, the home side imposed its domination over Maccabi Tel Aviv, crushing the eternal enemies 112-74 and tying the Winner League Finals series 1-1. Xavier Munford was the hero of the game for Hapoel, ending as the highest scorer with 26 points and 6/8 from beyond the arc.
Jordan McRae added 21 points, while both Chinanu Onuaku and J’Covan Brown went both really close to a double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds, and 11 points and 9 assists. On Maccabi‘s end, Wade Baldwin IV led the way with 18 points and 5 assists, followed by Bonzie Colson’s 17 points.
“I’m very saddened by the sight of the opening of the derby, this thing cannot continue and I will act in every way to stop this phenomenon. I’m calling for harsher punishments for the rioters who ruin our sport”, Israeli’s league charmain Ari Shteinberg commented following the incidents before the tipoff. As appears, objects were also thrown into the court from the stands, hitting players on both sides.
After Maccabi’s win in Game 1 and Hapoel’s victory in Game 2, the decisive Game 3 is now scheduled on June 13 at 21:00 CET. In their International seasons, Maccabi Tel Aviv was eliminated in the EuroLeague Playoffs by AS Monaco, which won 3-2; Hapoel Tel Aviv, instead, lost against Joventut Badalona in the 7DAYS EuroCup Quarter-Finals.
PHOTO CREDIT: 7DAYS EuroCup