By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After dropping a double-digit advantage and losing Tamir Blatt to injury, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv recovered in the fourth quarter en route to a win, 86-83, against Maccabi Ramat Gan in the Final of Israel’s Winner League Cup.
Blatt, 27, suffered a knee injury early in the fourth period. After putting up eight points and two assists over 14 minutes, he was helped off the court and did not return.
During his absence, the Yellows restored a ten-point lead in Holon Toto Arena. Refusing to give up, the team coached by Shmuel Brenner reduced the deficit to one point but the Tel Aviv outfit held on with John DiBartolomeo and Levi Randolph sinking key free throws in the final seconds.
Randolph ended up with 18 points and DiBartolomeo had 11 points. Making 8/13 from the field, French import Jaylen Hoard posted a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double to go with three assists, three blocks, and two steals over 27 minutes. David DeJulius added 15 points.
Falling narrowly short in his side’s first League Cup Final appearance, Roi Huber went for 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block. Experienced forward Amin Stevens followed with 15 points.
Saben Lee and Marial Shayok were unavailable for the team coached by Oded Kattash, besides injured Jasiel Rivero.
Following the remainder of the League Cup before the official start of the 2024-25 season, the Final was initially scheduled to take place in Holon on October 5.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net