By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Hapoel Tel Aviv cut Maccabi Tel Aviv‘s lead in the Israeli League Finals to 2-1 after securing an 80-74 road win in Game 3, led by a spectacular performance from Vasilije Micic.
The Serbian playmaker delivered his best game since joining Hapoel, finishing with a double-double of 29 points and 10 assists. Micic was particularly lethal from beyond the arc, knocking down seven three-pointers.
Dimitris Itoudis’ team controlled much of the first half and built a 12-point advantage before Maccabi rallied to take a 63-59 lead early in the fourth quarter.
However, Micic took over when it mattered most, sparking a decisive response from the visitors. Hapoel regained control and sealed the victory from the free-throw line down the stretch, earning the right to host the next game of the series.
Tai Odiase and Ish Wainright added 12 points apiece for the winners, while Yam Madar contributed 11.
For Maccabi, Jimmy Clark Jr. led the way with 22 points and seven assists.
Winner League Playoffs 2026
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 3-0 (107-93, 84-74, 89-61)
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem 3-0 (20-0, 88-84, 89-81)
Finals (best-of-five)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv 2-1 (96-75, 102-98, 74-80)
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