Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures First Preseason Win Against Rishon LeZion

Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club achieved its first preseason victory, defeating Maccabi Rishon LeZion 95-81 in their second exhibition game. The team, bolstered by the return of national team players, showcased strong teamwork with 23 assists and a significant rebounding advantage (38-30).

Roman Sorkin led the scoring for the Israeli champions with 19 points, supported by Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Hudson, who each added 12 points. Other notable scorers included Kithon Wallace and Shane Hunter with 10 points each, and Bonzie Colson with 8.

The game saw an early 9-0 run by Maccabi Tel Aviv, but Rishon LeZion kept pace, trailing by only six points at the end of the first quarter. Rishon LeZion managed to tie the game at 30-30 in the second quarter, but Maccabi Tel Aviv regained a 51-46 lead by halftime.

In the second half, Rishon LeZion narrowed the gap to three points early in the third quarter, but Maccabi Tel Aviv extended their lead to 75-65. Despite a late push from Rishon LeZion that reduced the deficit to six points, a crucial three-pointer by Dieng sealed the win for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will now travel to Cyprus for a preseason tournament, where they are scheduled to face Aris Thessaloniki on Friday.