Israel – Winner League Round 3 of Regular Season

DJ Seeley There were just three rounds played in Regular Season of Winner League and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with change at the leadership position and favorites losing the games.First defeat of Hapoel Holon (2-1) against Maccabi T-A (3-0) 81-72 was the most important game of the last round. Hapoel Holon trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 20-17 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 72-81 at the end of the game. Maccabi T-A looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a good game for American DJ Seeley (193-89, college: CS Fullerton) who led his team to a victory with 18 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Naturalized American swingman Sylven Landesberg (198-90, college: Virginia) contributed with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Maccabi T-A’s coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Darion Atkins (203-92, college: Virginia) answered with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds for Hapoel Holon. Hapoel Holon will play next round against Maccabi Ashdod trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Maccabi T-A will try to continue on its current victory against Hapoel Tel-Aviv. It will be extra interesting game as Hapoel Tel-Aviv is their local rival from Tel-Aviv. Hapoel Tel-Aviv (2-1) recorded a loss on the court of Hapoel Eilat. Visitors were defeated by Hapoel Eilat 89-72. It was a great evening for American forward Landon Milbourne (201-87, college: Maryland) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points. Afik Nissim helped adding 20 points and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American guard Adrian Banks (191-86, college: NW Mississippi CC) with 25 points. Hapoel Tel-Aviv’s coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Hapoel Eilat will play against Bnei Hasharon (#7) in Hod Hasharon in the next round. Hapoel Tel-Aviv’s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tel-Aviv Maccabi T-A. Very important is a road loss of Hapoel Jerusalem (2-1) against Galil Gilboa (1-2) on Monday night. Visiting Hapoel Jerusalem was defeated by Galil Gilboa in a tough game in Rosh Pina 73-77. It was an exceptional evening for Eric Griffin who led the winners and scored 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 blocks. Curtis Jerrells came up with 18 points and 5 assists for Hapoel Jerusalem in the defeat. Hapoel Jerusalem’s coach tested ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Galil Gilboa will meet Maccabi Haifa (#11) on the road in the next round. Hapoel Jerusalem will play against Ironi Nahariya (#10) and hope to secure a win. The game in Rishon Le-Zion was also worth to mention about. Bnei Hasharon (1-2) played at the court of Maccabi Rishon (2-1). Maccabi Rishon defeated Bnei Hasharon 89-73. The best player for the winners was Idan Zalmanson who scored 17 points. Maccabi Rishon’s coach Arik Shivek allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Maccabi Rishon’s next round opponent will be Maccabi K/G (#12) in Kiryat Gat and are hoping to win another game. Bnei Hasharon will play at home against Hapoel Eilat (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Maccabi Ashdod (2-1) and Ironi Nahariya (1-2), which took place in Ashdod. Maccabi Ashdod lost at home to Ironi Nahariya 70-82 on Monday. It was a good game for Yancy Gates who led his team to a victory with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Ironi Nahariya’s coach Eric Elfasi used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Ironi Nahariya will face Hapoel Jerusalem (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maccabi Ashdod will play against Hapoel Holon and it may be a tough game between close rivals. In the last game of round 3 Maccabi Haifa beat Maccabi K/G on the road 75-69. Hapoel Eilat – Hapoel T-A 89-72Hapoel Tel-Aviv (2-1) recorded a loss on the court of Hapoel Eilat. Visitors were defeated by Hapoel Eilat 89-72. The game without a history. Hapoel Eilat led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Hapoel Tel-Aviv’s 34. Hapoel Eilat players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Landon Milbourne (201-87, college: Maryland) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points. The former international point guard Afik Nissim (185-81) helped adding 20 points and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American guard Adrian …

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