By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
From a dominating showing in the first half to narrowly holding on after the break, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem, 82-73, and qualified for the Finals of Israel’s Ligat Winner Playoffs on Friday.
In a loud Pais Arena, countering the majority of fans in attendance, Bonzie Colson looked for interaction, making a passionate gesture to the ‘red’ crowd after sinking a three-pointer during the second quarter. Recording 15 points and eight rebounds, the Notre Dame product was among the main contributors to finishing a best-of-three series at 2-0.
Paving the way for the defending champions in Israel in Game 2 of the Semifinals, Roman Sorkin posted a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double. Lorenzo Brown chipped in 14 points, three assists, and three rebounds.
The crowd support for the hosts was often excessive, including an incident involving injured Wade Baldwin IV and Hapoel supporters behind the Maccabi bench. James Webb III and Josh Nebo were also out for the Yellows.
Bouncing back in the second half, the team coached Yonatan Alon nearly dug its way out of an 18-point hole, getting into shooting distance for the lead.
Yovel Zoosman and Khadeen Carrington shared a team-high 15 points in a season-ending losing effort. Brynton Lemar, Levi Randolph, Gabriel Chachashvili, and Zach Hankins were unavailable.
Ligat Winner Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-five)
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv – Ironi Hai Motors Ness Ziona 3-0 (109-83, 99-66, 105-64)
Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem – Hapoel Netanel Group Holon 3-0 (93-86, 70-68, 93-75)
Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv – Hapoel Shoval Haifa 3-0 (97-66, 100-91, 83-65)
Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan – Ironi Kiryat Lati Ata 0-3 (94-95, 84-94, 72-74)
Semifinals (best-of-three)
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv – Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 2-0 (89-82, 82-73)
Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv – Ironi Kiryat Lati Ata 0-1 (79-82)
Finals (best-of-three)
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv – Winner of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Ironi Kiryat Lati Ata
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net