Hapoel Tel Aviv got off to a flying start in this year’s EuroLeague in the most impressive fashion, as they won in Belgrade, defeating Red Star 81-80 in the second round of the competition.
Dimitris Itoudis’s team secured a major road win at one of the EuroLeague’s most challenging venues, while Ibón Navarro’s team has gotten off to a rough start, going 0-2—and at home, no less!
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Hapoel Tel Aviv got off to an impressive start and dictated the pace of the game early on. With Bryant and Mišić stepping up, Dimitris Itoudis’s team closed out the first quarter up by 10 (18-28), showing they were in complete control.
Red Star reacted immediately in the second quarter and, with a quick 7-0 run, brought the game within striking distance. In fact, the Serbs took the lead for the first time at 35-34, but Hapoel responded with another run and headed into halftime up 35-45.
In the third quarter, the visitors maintained a steady lead despite pressure from the home team and a surge by Jordan Nouora (13 points, 5 rebounds), with the quarter ending at 59-67.
Asteras didn’t give up and closed the gap dangerously in the fourth quarter. But just when it looked like the game would come down to the final possession, Mišić caught fire.
The Serbian, who up to that point had made just 1 of 12 three-pointers, sank two huge shots from 6.75 meters, first making it 69-77 and then 70-80 with 1:15 left in the game.
Asteras made a last-ditch effort, but Hapoel held on and secured the big 81-80 victory. The top performer for the winners was Elijah Bryant, who finished the game with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals!
The quarter scores: 18-28, 35-45, 59-67, 80-81.
Quarter scores: 18-28, 35-45, 59-67, 80-81.
*Photo source: euroleaguebasketball
