Hapoel Holon Suffers Disappointing FIBA Champions League Season Opener
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Hapoel Holon lost their FIBA Champions League season opener 99-79 to Cholet Basket of France on Tuesday. The team started well but collapsed in the second quarter, committing 19 turnovers and shooting poorly. Despite the defeat, Adama Sanogo had a double-double, and Leicester Medford debuted with 15 points. Holon faces Hapoel Jerusalem next in the Israeli league.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Holon lost their FIBA Champions League opener to Cholet Basket 99-79.
- The team led after the first quarter but was outscored 33-9 in the second.
- Holon committed 19 turnovers and struggled with shooting efficiency.
- Adama Sanogo recorded a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
- Drew Thelwell played briefly despite a hamstring injury.
- The team was missing several players due to injury and medical tests.
Hapoel Holon began their FIBA Champions League season with a significant 99-79 loss to France's Cholet Basket on Tuesday. The Israeli team started the game strong, leading by four points after the first quarter. However, Cholet dominated the second quarter, outscoring Holon 33-9, which proved to be the turning point of the game.
"It was a tough and bad start to the season," a club source stated. "We started well, but they came back onto the court very aggressively in the second quarter, especially on offense. We just couldn't cope with it and stop them. We weren't there defensively, and that quarter ended the game."
The team struggled with turnovers, losing the ball 19 times, and had a poor shooting night from beyond the arc, making only eight of 32 three-point attempts. Their overall field goal percentage was 39.7%, significantly lower than Cholet's 55.6%.
Despite the loss, center Adama Sanogo recorded a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Natanel Artzi contributed 10 points and 2 assists, while new guard Leicester Medford impressed in his debut with 15 points and 6 assists.
Guard Drew Thelwell, diagnosed with a hamstring tear, played briefly for 2:30 minutes despite not being fully recovered or having completed a full training period. The team was short on players and needed his assistance. "We have work to do, we are not yet in rhythm and not everyone is healthy," the club concluded, noting the absence of Greg Lee, Brandon Jones due to injuries, and Skylar Weeks who had not yet completed medical tests.
Hapoel Holon's next game is Sunday against Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
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