Maccabi Ashdod Basketball Team Seeks First Win in Winner Cup Playoff

Maccabi Ashdod is set to play Hapoel Eilat on Sunday in a ranking match for the Winner Cup basketball tournament. Ashdod aims to secure their first official win of the season after losing their opening two group stage games to Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The winner of this matchup will advance to face Hapoel Holon on Wednesday, while the loser will play Maccabi Ramat Gan next week. Guard Sean Dawson, who missed the first two games due to injury, is cleared to play and will make his debut for Ashdod. Forward Augustine Rubit is questionable for the game after sustaining an injury against Be'er Sheva, with a decision on his availability to be made on Sunday.

Ashdod's coach, Dan Katzir, described the game as their fourth preparation match, emphasizing the goal of reaching the league's opening game fully prepared. He noted Dawson's limited minutes and Rubit's uncertain status, stating the game is an opportunity for the team to connect, compete, and assess their performance. Forward Ben Gold added that the team looks forward to the away game as a chance to demonstrate improvement and hard work during the preseason, highlighting the team's growing chemistry and the game's value as a test before the regular season begins.