Hapoel Jerusalem Defeats Hapoel Emek in Preseason Tune-Up

Hapoel Jerusalem secured an 86-82 victory over Hapoel Emek in their second preseason exhibition game, played Friday before a home crowd at Malha Arena. The win marks another step in the team's preparation for the upcoming season.

Yuval Sussman was the standout performer for Hapoel Jerusalem, leading all scorers with 25 points and adding six rebounds. Other notable scorers for Jerusalem included Shake Milton with 13 points, Eitan Burt also with 13, Davonte Cacok with 11, Dusan Miletic and Nimrod Levy with 7 each, Kenny Lofton Jr. with 6, and David Roe with 4.

Kenny Lofton Jr. made his unofficial debut for Hapoel Jerusalem, contributing 6 points but also committing five turnovers and fouling out. The team's performance showed continued integration as they prepare for official league play.

For Hapoel Emek, J.J. Kaplan and Malik Hall led the scoring with 17 points apiece. Christian McGuill added 11 points, followed by Lucas Goldenberg with 9, Cameron Henry and C.J. Albee with 8 each, Roey Netzia with 6, Gil Noyovitz with 4, and Karl Guzzman with 2.

In another exhibition game held the same day, Maccabi Ashdod defeated Maccabi Ramat Gan 103-92. Ben Calhoun Gold scored 19 points for Ashdod, Isaiah Hill added 18, and Robert Turnir had 17. Ahmad Ka'aber was the top scorer for Ramat Gan with 24 points.