Israel – Winner League Round 7: Maccabi T-A defeats Hapoel Jerusalem in the closest game of the week

DJ Seeley The most exciting game of round 7 in the Winner League took place in Tel-Aviv. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Hapoel Jerusalem (3-4) to first ranked Maccabi T-A (6-1) 85-83 on Sunday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. The hosts trailed by 7 points after three quarters before their 23-14 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Maccabi T-A outrebounded Hapoel Jerusalem 37-26 including 25 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for American DJ Seeley (193-89, college: CS Fullerton) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. The former international point guard Yogev Ohayon (189-87) helped adding 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Maccabi T-A’s coach Rami Hadar used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side international forward Lior Eliyahu (205-85) responded with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Maccabi T-A maintains first place with 6-1 record. Hapoel Jerusalem lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Maccabi T-A are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Maccabi K/G (#12) in Kiryat Gat in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Hapoel Jerusalem will play at home against Maccabi Haifa (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Important game to mention about took place in Tel-Aviv. Fifth ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv (4-3) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Galil Gilboa (3-4) 87-85 on Sunday evening. It was an exceptional evening for naturalized American Richard Howell (203-90, college: N.Carolina St.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Raviv Limonad accounted for 13 points and 8 assists. American forward Murphy Holloway (201-90, college: Mississippi) came up with 22 points and 5 rebounds for Galil Gilboa in the defeat. Hapoel Tel-Aviv moved-up to third place, which they share with Maccabi Rishon and Bnei Hertzeliyya. Newly promoted Galil Gilboa dropped to the sixth position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will play against Ironi Nahariya (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Galil Gilboa will play against Bnei Hasharon and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Very important is a road loss of second ranked Hapoel Holon (5-2) against fourth ranked Maccabi Rishon (4-3) on Sunday night. Visiting Hapoel Holon was defeated by Maccabi Rishon in Rishon Le-Zion 84-69. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hapoel Holon. Shawn Dawson fired 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Shlomi Harush produced 14 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Hapoel Holon’s coach Dan Shamir rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Hapoel T-A and Bnei Hertzeliyya. Hapoel Holon at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. Maccabi Rishon will meet Maccabi Ashdod (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hapoel Holon will play against Hapoel Eilat (#11) and hope to secure a win. Tenth ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-4) crushed at home higher ranked Maccabi Ashdod (3-4) by 21 points 89-68, which is the biggest margin this round. Worth to mention a great performance of Amit Simhon who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Maccabi Haifa moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Haifa’s next round opponent will be Hapoel Jerusalem (#8) on the road. In the last two games of round 7 bottom-ranked Maccabi K/G lost to Bnei Hertzeliyya on the opponent’s court 64-79. Hapoel Eilat unfortunately lost to Ironi Nahariya in a home game 71-81. The most impressive stats of the last round was 21 points and 6 rebounds by Gilbert Brown of Ironi Nahariya.Maccabi Haifa – Maccabi Ashdod 89-68Tenth ranked Maccabi Haifa (3-4) crushed at home higher ranked Maccabi Ashdod (3-4) by 21 points 89-68, which is the biggest margin this round. Maccabi Haifa shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 52.0 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of international swingman Amit Simhon (198-89) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. American-Mexican guard Orlando Mendez-Valdez (183-86, college: W.Kentucky, agency: Pro Sports) contributed with 17 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. The former international Jake Cohen (209-90, college: Davidson) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and American swingman Chase Simon (198-89, college: Detroit Mercy, agency: Three Eye Sports) added 14 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Haifa moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Maccabi Ashdod. Maccabi Haifa’s next round opponent will be Hapoel Jerusalem (#8) on the road. Top scorers:Maccabi …

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