Jerusalem Israel Hapoel Jerusalem delivered a thrilling performance to beat arch-rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv 93 to 83 in the Israeli Basketball State Cup quarterfinals, moving into the semifinals while both of Tel Aviv’s elite clubs suffered setbacks in European competition this week. Fans and analysts are calling it one of the most significant shifts in the current season after an intense period of league play.
The clash took place at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, where Jared Harper scored 24 points to lead Jerusalem’s charge. The win extends Hapoel Jerusalem’s momentum in domestic cup competition and marks a tougher path for Tel Aviv teams in both local and continental play.
Jerusalem’s Cup Push Gains Momentum
In a tightly contested opening quarter, Hapoel Tel Aviv went up 22 to 21 behind strong performances from Antonio Blakeney, Vasilije Micic, and Dan Oturu. But Jerusalem responded with a decisive 10-0 run sparked by Harper, Khadeen Carrington, and Cassius Winston, turning the momentum in favour of the capital city side as they headed into halftime with a slight lead.
The third quarter saw Tel Aviv briefly regain a seven-point advantage thanks to efforts from Micic and Tomer Ginat, but Jerusalem answered once more. Justin Smith and Winston provided key scoring that helped maintain a narrow lead. By the end of the third period the score read 66 to 60 in Jerusalem’s favour.
Jerusalem dominated the final quarter as Harper continued his hot scoring run, while Carrington and Winston contributed crucial baskets. Austin Wiley also chipped in to help seal the victory and send Hapoel Jerusalem into the State Cup semifinals.
Key Player Performances
Here are the top performance stats from the match that shaped the outcome:
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Jared Harper (Jerusalem) 24 points
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Cassius Winston (Jerusalem) 18 points
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Justin Smith (Jerusalem) 15 points
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Antonio Blakeney (Tel Aviv) 22 points
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Dan Oturu (Tel Aviv) 16 points
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Vasilije Micic (Tel Aviv) 14 points
Tel Aviv Clubs Face European Pressure
While Hapoel Jerusalem celebrates its domestic cup success, the Tel Aviv clubs have endured a mixed week in European competition. Both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv have struggled to convert strong starts in EuroLeague play into consistent wins.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, coached by Dimitrios Itoudis, entered the Cup match having suffered three defeats in their last four outings across all competitions. This recent slump raises concerns about their ability to challenge on multiple fronts during the season.
Meanwhile Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of the most decorated clubs in European basketball, also slipped in EuroLeague play over the weekend, adding further pressure ahead of its next domestic fixtures. These setbacks contrast sharply with Jerusalem’s cup drive and signal a potential shift in competitive balance within Israeli basketball.
What This Means For The State Cup
With the win, Hapoel Jerusalem moves one step closer to the State Cup final, where they will face one of the remaining top teams in the draw. This continues a strong cup tradition for the club, which has a history of navigating knockout competitions successfully.
Jerusalem’s squad has grown more consistent under coach Yonatan Alon, who praised his team’s grit after the victory. His emphasis on team play and resilience has become a staple of their cup success this season.
For Hapoel Tel Aviv, the loss means refocusing attention on league play and upcoming European fixtures. The defeat also adds pressure on coaches and management to arrest the club’s recent downturn and rediscover the form that saw them challenging near the top of the standings earlier in the campaign.
Season Dynamics And Rivalry Heat
The rivalry between Hapoel Jerusalem and Tel Aviv clubs remains one of Israel basketball’s most captivating storylines. While Jerusalem now advances in the Cup, both Tel Aviv teams must contend with difficulties on and off the court. Results in the EuroLeague will be watched closely, as Tel Aviv clubs aim to respond with strong performances to buoy their season prospects.
The State Cup itself continues to be a showcase for Israeli basketball talent and fierce competition. Each game carries added weight, and Jerusalem’s recent form has positioned them as a formidable contender for the title this year.
Hapoel Jerusalem’s journey to the semifinals stands as a testament to resilience and strategic execution under pressure. Fans across Israel and abroad will be looking ahead to the next round with eager anticipation as the Cup race intensifies.
Final thoughts from supporters and sports analysts alike point to a Cup race that could be defined by momentum and confidence. Jerusalem’s win over Tel Aviv may prove a defining moment in this season’s competition.
