Hapoel Emek Blown Out After 18-Point Lead, Kiryat Ata Advances
Kiryat Ata staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming an 18-point deficit to defeat Hapoel Emek 99-98 in overtime on Wednesday, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Winner's Cup. The team, coached by Eldad Bentov, will face Maccabi Tel Aviv in the next round.
Hapoel Emek started the game strong, with players like Malik Hall and Roi Nitzia leading the charge. They hit seven three-pointers in the first ten minutes, establishing a double-digit lead early on. Their advantage grew to a game-high 18 points in the second quarter.
However, Kiryat Ata fought back before halftime, narrowing the gap to just one point thanks to strong defense and consistent offense. Hapoel Emek regained momentum in the second half, with Niv Misgav playing a key role in extending their lead.
Despite Misgav's efforts, Kiryat Ata, spurred by Daniel Sharon, Tomer Assaf, and Holland Woods, forced overtime with a late surge. In the extra period, Kiryat Ata maintained composure, executing crucial plays in the final minutes to clinch the victory and advance.
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