Maccabi Tel Aviv Dominates Hapoel Jerusalem to Reach Winner Cup Final

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a decisive 88-71 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem in the Winner Cup semifinals on Sunday, setting up a championship clash with Hapoel Tel Aviv. This win comes just two days after Maccabi's significant Euroleague loss to Panathinaikos, which left them with a 0-3 record.

Despite falling behind by double digits in the first half, Maccabi Tel Aviv rallied, led by strong performances from Efe Londberg, who scored 14 points including four crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter, and Oshey Brissett, who finished as the team's top scorer with 17 points. Roman Sorkin contributed 16 points, while Jaylen Hoard added 13 and Keton Wallace scored 8 points in a short span during the second quarter. Coach Oded Katash's team outscored Hapoel Jerusalem 29-17 in the final quarter.

Hapoel Jerusalem struggled with turnovers, committing 19 compared to Maccabi's 9. Kenny Lofton Jr. led Jerusalem with 16 points but also had 6 turnovers. Sheikh Milton scored 14 points, David Roddy added 12, and Devonte' Kakeok also had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Jaylen Smith had a disappointing performance with only 5 points.

The Winner Cup final between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv is scheduled for November 9th in Holon. This will be the third derby between the two Tel Aviv clubs within 12 days, as they are also set to face each other in league and Euroleague play.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will aim to break their Euroleague losing streak when they play Milan on Thursday. Hapoel Jerusalem will compete in the EuroCup against Cedevita Olimpija on Tuesday.