Hapoel Tel Aviv Secures Dramatic EuroLeague Road Win Over Red Star Belgrade

Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved their first EuroLeague victory of the season, narrowly defeating Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) 81-80 in a thrilling road game in Serbia. The Israeli team secured the win thanks to a clutch performance from Elijah Bryant, who led the team with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, earning a game-high efficiency rating of 31. Despite Hapoel Tel Aviv largely controlling the game and building a double-digit lead by halftime, Red Star Belgrade repeatedly attempted comebacks.

While Hapoel Tel Aviv struggled with their shooting, hitting only 30% from three-point range and 44.4% from two-point range, they managed to maintain defensive pressure and limit the impact of former players Jonathan Motley and Chris Jones. Vasilije Micić, who had a difficult shooting night going 1-for-11 from three, redeemed himself with two crucial three-pointers in the final moments that effectively sealed the victory.

The game was described as a "rollercoaster" with Hapoel Tel Aviv holding the lead for most of the contest, though Red Star Belgrade briefly took the lead once in the second quarter before Hapoel's 11-0 run restored their advantage. The win comes after an opening-night loss to Bayern Munich.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will soon face another tough challenge as they travel to Sofia on Thursday to play Real Madrid, marking their first encounter since last season's playoff series.