Hapoel Jerusalem has launched its continental season with a decisive win, while Hapoel Tel Aviv has evened its Euroleague record and Maccabi Tel Aviv continues to look for its first victory.
Strong Showing from Hapoel Jerusalem
Hapoel Jerusalem showcased an impressive performance, defeating the Rostock Seawolves 94-73, marking their first EuroCup win of the 2026/27 season. With strong contributions from Kenny Lofton Jr. and Jaleen Smith, the team established an early lead and held it throughout the match. Coach Sasa Obradovic’s strategy came to fruition as Jerusalem effectively contained TJ Crockett Jr., who had been a scoring threat for the Seawolves. Other key players included Shake Milton, Devontae Cacok, and Yovel Zoosman, all of whom played crucial roles in maintaining control of the game.
Lofton finished the game with an exceptional 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Smith added another 18 points. Milton contributed significantly as well with 14 points. For Rostock, Crockett was the standout performer, scoring 22 points, supported by Zach Copeland with 15.
A Solid Game Plan
Jerusalem’s first-quarter advantage saw them leading 25-18, which they extended to a 49-37 halftime score. They continued to build their lead in the third quarter with Lofton and Smith’s excellent performances, closing out the game with a comfortable margin of 19 points.
Coach Obradovic commented on the significance of the win, noting that while it boosts confidence, there is still room for improvement. “This was a good win, but we need to work on our communication and strategies out of timeouts,” he remarked, highlighting the absence of injured guard Jared Harper and the potential return of Lorenzo Brown to strengthen the team further.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Triumphs Over Red Star Belgrade
In another key matchup, Hapoel Tel Aviv edged past Red Star Belgrade 81-80, securing their first Euroleague victory and evening their record at 1-1. Elijah Bryant shone brightly, earning a double-double, and Vasilije Micic proved crucial by sinking two key three-pointers in the final moments of the game. Hapoel’s next test will be against Real Madrid as they aim to carry the momentum forward.
Down by ten points at one stage, Dimitrios Itoudis’s squad displayed resilience, managing to regain control while showing excellent team basketball principles. They went into halftime leading 45-35 and fought hard to maintain their advantage in the second half. Bryant was the leading scorer with 18 points, while Micic chimed in with 11 for a vital team effort.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Continuing Struggles
Unfortunately, Maccabi Tel Aviv is still seeking their first victory of the season after falling to Besiktas 109-93. Coach Oded Katash expressed his disappointment, particularly regarding the team’s defensive strategies and overall chemistry on the court. They now face the challenge of rebounding against Panathinaikos this Friday.
The game against Besiktas saw Maccabi trailing early and struggling to keep pace, even as Bonzie Colson scored 17 points. Meanwhile, Besiktas leveraged the talents of Scottie Wilbekin and Anthony Brown to maintain their lead. Katash emphasized the need for a stronger start in upcoming games, as the team continues to build trust and cohesion. “We need to play with more intensity and confidence from the outset,” Colson added.
As each team navigates the early stages of this Euroleague season, the pressure is on to establish momentum and enhance consistency. For Hapoel Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the results are promising, but Maccabi’s ongoing challenges highlight the rough road ahead for the yellow-and-blue.