By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After the opening game of the series was suspended for security reasons and later ordered to be replayed, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem returned to the court on Tuesday night.
Hapoel Tel Aviv moved into the driver’s seat, beating Hapoel Jerusalem 88-84 on the road to take the lead in the series and move one step closer to the Finals.
Despite falling behind 12-1 in the opening minutes, the visitors gradually took control and carried the momentum for most of the evening before holding off a late Jerusalem comeback. Yam Madar once again led the way for Hapoel Tel Aviv, finishing with 25 points and five three-pointers, while Ish Wainright contributed 21 points.
The decisive moment came in the closing stages when Vasilije Micic knocked down a crucial three-pointer to put the visitors in command. The Serbian guard ended the game with 14 points after scoring only two in the first half.
On the other side, Khadeen Carrington paced Hapoel Jerusalem with 16 points despite entering the game under the weather. Jared Harper, however, endured a difficult night, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-17 shooting from the field.
Winner League Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Beer Sheva/Dimona 2-0 (106-90, 108-83)
Bnei Penlink Herzliya – Hapoel Netanel Holon 0-2 (73-84, 84-99)
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Maccabi Tapuzina Rishon LeZion 2-1 (74-82, 95-69, 96-83)
Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem – Hapoel Gilat Telecom Haemek 2-0 (82-71, 98-91)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel Netanel Holon 1-0 (107-93)
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem 1-0 (88-84)
Finals (best-of-five)
Semifinals winners
Make