A dramatic fourth quarter performance has propelled Maccabi Tel Aviv into the Israel State Cup final. The yellow and blue squad defeated their fierce rivals Hapoel Jerusalem with a final score of 94 to 85. This victory came after a tense battle at the Menora Mivtachim Arena on Sunday night.
The win secures Maccabi a spot in the championship game scheduled for Thursday. They rallied late in the game to overcome a deficit that had frustrated them for three quarters. This victory keeps their hopes alive for another domestic title. Fans witnessed a classic display of resilience from Oded Katash’s roster.
A Fourth Quarter Explosion Seals the Win
The game did not start comfortably for the Tel Aviv side. Hapoel Jerusalem controlled the tempo for the majority of the first thirty minutes. The visitors played with aggression and found easy baskets in the paint.
Maccabi trailed entering the final period. The momentum seemed firmly with the red side of the rivalry. However, the atmosphere shifted drastically as the fourth quarter began.
Maccabi Tel Aviv unleashed an offensive barrage that Jerusalem could not answer.
The defense tightened up significantly. Jerusalem found themselves unable to execute their plays. Maccabi turned defensive stops into fast transition points. The crowd at Yad Eliyahu erupted with every basket as the lead changed hands.
The energy on the court changed when Maccabi started hitting shots from beyond the arc. This forced the Jerusalem defense to spread out. It opened up driving lanes for Maccabi’s guards. The sheer volume of scoring in the final minutes was too much for the visitors to handle.
Sorkin and Dowtin Lead the Charge
Two players stood out above the rest for the winning side. Roman Sorkin dominated the interior play when it mattered most. His presence in the paint provided stability for Maccabi throughout the night.
Jeff Dowtin was equally instrumental in the victory. He managed the game flow with the poise of a veteran. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates kept the offense moving.
Sorkin and Dowtin combined for critical plays that broke the Jerusalem defense.
Hapoel Jerusalem did have strong performances despite the loss. Austin Wiley was a force around the rim. Khadeen Carrington also provided a significant scoring punch for Yonatan Alon’s team.
Here is a breakdown of the key factors that decided the game:
- Roman Sorkin: Dominated the boards and provided second chance points.
- Jeff Dowtin: Controlled the pace and hit clutch shots late in the game.
- Austin Wiley: Led Jerusalem’s effort in the first half but faded late.
- Turnovers: Jerusalem committed costly errors during Maccabi’s fourth quarter run.
Maccabi’s depth ultimately wore down the Jerusalem rotation. The yellow and blue bench provided energy that the Reds could not match in the closing stages.
The Reds Lose Control in Crucial Moments
For Hapoel Jerusalem, this loss serves as a bitter pill to swallow. They executed their game plan nearly perfectly for three quarters. Coach Yonatan Alon had his team ready for the high stakes environment.
They forced Maccabi into difficult shots early on. The defense rotated well and frustrated the home crowd. It looked like an upset was brewing in Tel Aviv.
However, the mental aspect of the game shifted as the pressure mounted.
Jerusalem’s offense stagnated when Maccabi increased their physical intensity. Shots that were falling in the first half started to rim out. The frustration was visible on the faces of the Jerusalem players.
They struggled to stop the bleeding once Maccabi went on their run. Timeouts called by the Jerusalem bench failed to slow down the momentum. The visitors could not find a go-to scorer to settle the game down in the final three minutes.
This collapse highlights the difficulty of closing out games at Yad Eliyahu. The home court advantage played a massive role as the volume inside the arena reached deafening levels.
Eyes Set on the Trophy Thursday Night
Maccabi Tel Aviv now turns their full attention to the State Cup final. The game is set to take place this coming Thursday night. They will return to the same floor at Yad Eliyahu with a trophy on the line.
Their opponent will be decided in the second semifinal matchup. That game features Bnei Herzliya taking on Hapoel Afula. Both potential opponents present different challenges for the yellow and blue.
Maccabi will enter the final as the heavy favorite regardless of who advances.
The coaching staff knows the job is not yet finished. Coach Oded Katash will likely focus on the slow start his team experienced. They cannot afford to fall behind early in a championship game.
Rest and recovery will be the priority over the next few days. The physical toll of the semifinal was evident. Players left everything on the floor to secure this comeback win.
Winning the State Cup is a primary goal for the club every season. It represents dominance in Israeli basketball. A win on Thursday would add another piece of silverware to their extensive collection.
Maccabi Tel Aviv overcame a tough challenge from Hapoel Jerusalem to win 94-85. A dominant fourth quarter performance led by Roman Sorkin and Jeff Dowtin secured their place in the State Cup final. The team showed great mental strength to rally from behind and claim victory.
