Hapoel Jerusalem Claims Super Cup Title
In an exhilarating match that took place on a remarkable evening in Tel Aviv, Hapoel Jerusalem emerged victorious against Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning the Super Cup with a score of 84-79. The match, held at the iconic Yad Eliyahu Arena, attracted a boisterous crowd of 9,317 fans, mainly clad in Maccabi’s yellow. This event marked the first title of the new season, following the cancellation of the playoff finals due to the conflict with Iran earlier this year.
A Clash of Titans
It was a thrilling rematch three months after the postponed playoff finale, a game that left spectators yearning for closure. The anticipation was palpable as both teams, with a total of thirteen players from the previous finals, lined up for this nail-biting face-off. The Jerusalem team made a strategic move by including Dmitro Skapinzev, replacing Austin Wylie, while Maccabi chose to rest Lonnie Walker due to back pain.
First Half Highlights
As the game kicked off, the intensity was evident. The first stoppage occurred just 48 seconds into the game, honoring the victims of the ongoing conflict. Roman Sorkin shone brightly on the court, dominating the paint and scoring crucial points. By the end of the first quarter, he had helped elevate his team to a 22-17 lead.
John DiBartolomeo, at 34 years old, showcased his remarkable skills by grabbing four rebounds and scoring eight points without a miss. His efforts propelled Maccabi to a 26-17 lead at one point. However, Jared Harper, whose presence was questioned before the game due to illness, turned the tide with three consecutive three-pointers, pushing Jerusalem ahead to a 34-33 lead.
Through teamwork and strategic plays, Maccabi managed to finish the half with a slight edge, 42-35, yet the momentum was shifting towards Jerusalem.
Second Half Surge
As the second half began, Hapoel Jerusalem picked up the pace. With the support of their new guards, Keshious Winston and Roy Pritzky, they executed a stunning comeback, concluding the third quarter with a 61-56 lead.
Maccabi’s Jalen Hurd struggled significantly, missing several opportunities that could have changed the game’s momentum. Meanwhile, Jerusalem’s Kaidin Carrington began to find his rhythm, contributing vital points that extended their lead to 78-68 with just three minutes remaining.
Final Moments
In a bid to reclaim the game, Maccabi’s players, including Oshay Brissett and Jimmy Clark, fought hard, but their efforts fell just short. Jerusalem committed several mistakes, losing possessions rapidly. DiBartolomeo’s successful three-pointer narrowed the score to 81-79, intensifying the suspense in the arena.
With 11.4 seconds on the clock, Jerusalem executed an inbounds play. After a strategic timeout, Carrington’s decisive theft sealed their victory, allowing captain Yuval Zusman to lift the trophy high alongside owner Matan Adleson.
Conclusion
This win not only marks a significant triumph for Hapoel Jerusalem but sets an optimistic tone for their season. Carrington expressed the team’s determination, stating, “It feels great to win after we couldn’t finish last season. Even with different rosters, we wanted to win and showed great character.” As Jerusalem continues their winning streak, they’ll look to build upon this success in upcoming matches, with both teams preparing for the next challenge in the Winner Cup quarter-finals.
