Local Hoops: Hap J'lem looks for revenge against Hasharon

Maccabi Tel Aviv will look to remain perfect under the guidance of Tzvika Sherf.

By ALLON SINAI
Hapoel Jerusalem 224.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Hapoel Jerusalem 224.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Hapoel Jerusalem will have revenge on its mind when it hosts Bnei Hasharon on Sunday night at the Malha Arena. Bnei Hasharon was the first to expose Jerusalem's frailties this season, beating the State Cup holder 83-68 when the teams first met this season in Ra'anana. Hapoel has struggled ever since, but has shown some encouraging signs in the last seven days, claiming its first road win of the season at Hapoel Afula/Gilboa and advancing in the ULEB Cup thanks to its victory over Turow Zgorzelec. Jerusalem also got the better of Bnei Hasharon in the State Cup quarterfinals three weeks ago and will be hoping for another confidence boost on Sunday ahead of next week's State Cup semifinals. Bnei Hasharon, which has lost two of its four road games this season, has won five of its last six games in the BSL and recorded an impressive 94-81 win over a red-hot Ironi Ramat Gan last week. Maccabi Tel Aviv will look to remain perfect under the guidance of Tzvika Sherf when it visits Hapoel Galil Elyon on Sunday. Tel Aviv has won its two league games under Sherf by an average 30 points while Galil lost to Hapoel Holon by 15 points last week. Also Sunday, Ironi Nahariya, which has lost its last three league games, hosts Maccabi Rishon Lezion and Afula/Gilboa plays Ironi Ashkelon. On Monday, Ironi Ramat Gan hosts Hapoel Holon.