J’lem tops Holon; Mac TA looks for more payback at Hasharon

Hapoel Jerusalem won for the third time in four BSL games on Saturday, thrashing Hapoel Holon 102-68 at Malha Arena.

By ALLON SINAI
hapoel jerusalem_311 (photo credit: Cajasol Sevilla website)
hapoel jerusalem_311
(photo credit: Cajasol Sevilla website)
Hapoel Jerusalem won for the third time in four BSL games on Saturday, thrashing Hapoel Holon 102-68 at Malha Arena to avenge its defeat to Danny Franco’s team at the same venue less than a month ago.
The 86-80 home loss to Holon last month was arguably Jerusalem’s most humbling defeat of the season, but Oded Katash’s men were focused from the start of Saturday’s game and outscored Holon 63-36 in the second half.
After being crushed 107- 66 by Maccabi Tel Aviv last week, Jerusalem’s offense had a far easier time finding its rhythm against Holon, which had won four of its previous five contests, scoring over 100 points for the third time in four games.
“All in all, we are going through a pretty good period,” Katash said.
“We played two good games before losing to Maccabi and got back on track tonight.
“I’m very encouraged by the energy we showed from the start of the game. We are playing the way we should offensively and our defense also seems to be getting back to itself.
Everyone knows that when we play well we are a very dangerous team. We just need to be more consistent.”
Yuval Naimi continued his excellent recent form, scoring 23 points, with Will Solomon and Jawad Williams adding 19 and 18 points, respectively.
Kasib Powell had 16 points for Holon, which shot just 19 of 56 from the field (34 percent).
Jerusalem scored eight of the first nine points of the night to open an early lead, but Holon closed the gap, although still trailed 21-16 after 10 minutes.
The hosts were still in control at the break (39-32) and were never in any danger of losing after beginning the second half with a 10-1 run.
On Sunday, Maccabi Tel Aviv visits Bnei Hasharon, the only team to have beaten it in the BSL this season.
Bnei Hasharon won 91-88 at Nokia Arena earlier this season, but was thrashed 113-67 when the teams last met in Herzliya.
Also Sunday, Hapoel Gilboa/Galil hosts Barak Netanya and Maccabi Ashdod visits Maccabi Haifa.
Maccabi Rishon Lezion welcomes Ironi Ashkelon on Monday.