Hapoel Tel Aviv Edges Nes Ziona in Dramatic Fashion to Reach Winner Cup Final

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a spot in the Winner Cup final after a thrilling 79-76 victory over Ironi Nes Ziona in a closely contested semifinal. The game, which featured intense back-and-forth action, saw Hapoel Tel Aviv overcome a deficit and a strong challenge from Nes Ziona.

Early in the game, Hapoel Tel Aviv, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, jumped out to an 8-0 lead fueled by Eugene German's scoring. However, Nes Ziona, under coach Paul Corsaro, responded with a 12-3 run of their own, taking a 23-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. Nes Ziona maintained a slight advantage for much of the second quarter, with Vincee Amsellem contributing on both ends, but German's three-pointers kept Hapoel close, and they managed to take a 40-37 lead into halftime.

In the second half, John E. Wainwright emerged as a key player for Hapoel, hitting consecutive three-pointers to give them a 54-50 lead and forcing a Nes Ziona timeout. Hapoel extended their lead to 67-57 by the start of the fourth quarter, appearing to be in control. However, Nes Ziona mounted an impressive comeback, erasing the deficit with an 11-0 run to tie the game.

In the crucial final minutes, Antonio Blakeney stepped up for Hapoel, scoring key baskets to regain the lead. His clutch plays in the closing moments helped Hapoel maintain a narrow advantage until the final buzzer, sealing their 79-76 win.

Hapoel Tel Aviv will face the winner of the Maccabi Tel Aviv versus Hapoel Jerusalem game in the final. The victory highlighted Hapoel's squad depth and their ability to perform under pressure, with significant contributions from German, Wainwright, and Blakeney.