By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv is one win away from lifting Israel’s Winner League Cup. Prevailing, 82-75, against Hapoel Netanel Holon in Toto Arena set up a Final against Maccabi Ramat Gan.
Trailing in double-digits most of the way, the team guided by Guy Goodes reduced the deficit to six points with a late run, before surrendering to the Yellows on Friday.
Fueling the sixth consecutive appearance in the League Cup Final, Jasiel Rivero finished with 15 points. Jordan Loyd put up 14 points. Jaylen Hoard and Roman Sorkin added 13 points each. Wenyen Gabriel was sidelined for the team coached by Oded Kattash.
Two players on the injury list for the hosts, Yiftach Ziv and Elijah Mitrou-Long. Former Michigan State standout Marcus Bingham Jr. netted a game-high 24 points with 10/12 from the field as his side suffered elimination in the Semifinals.
With both sides looking to clinch a berth in the League Cup Final for the first time in team history, Maccabi Ramat Gan pulled away in the second half and defeated Bnei PenLink Herzliya, 99-89, in the first Semifinal.
Pushing the Basketball Champions League outfit to more success in Toto Arena, after stunning Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in overtime on Saturday, Amin Stevens piled up 27 points with 12/15 two-pointers. Adam Ariel threw in 21 points and Kendale McCullum posted a 12-point, 10-assist double-double plus seven rebounds and two steals.
The championship game is set to be played in Holon next Saturday, October 5.