Maccabi Ashdod Basketball Team Seeks First Win in Toto Cup Opener

Maccabi Ashdod will host Hapoel Eilat on Sunday in a Toto Cup classification match. Ashdod lost its opening two group stage games to Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and will be looking for its first official win of the season.

The winner of Sunday's game will advance to face Hapoel Holon on Wednesday at the Toto Hall in Holon, 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. Augustine Rubit, who sustained an injury against Be'er Sheva, is questionable for the game, with a decision on his availability to be made on Sunday.

Ashdod coach Dan Katzir stated that the game serves as their fourth preparation match, with the goal of being ready for the league opener. He noted Dawson will play with limited minutes and Rubit is doubtful. "This is a great game for us to connect, compete, and see where we are on both ends of the court, and we will do everything to come back with a win," Katzir said.

Forward Ben Gold added that the team looks forward to the away game as another opportunity to show improvement and hard work during the preseason. "Our team chemistry is improving, and this will be a good test for us to see where we stand and what further adjustments we need to make before the regular season begins," Gold commented.