Hapoel Tel Aviv Blames Officiating After EuroLeague Loss to Valencia

Hapoel Tel Aviv suffered a 93-82 defeat to Valencia in the EuroLeague on Thursday, dropping their season record to 2-2. Valencia controlled most of the game, building a lead that reached 19 points in the third quarter. Despite a career-high 30 points from Hapoel's Antonio Blakeney, the team could not overcome the deficit. Coach Dimitris Itoudis acknowledged Valencia's aggressive start and their ability to hit open threes, which Hapoel failed to defend effectively in the first quarter, ending it down 32-17. Player Tai Odiase agreed that Valencia's shooting made them comfortable and difficult to stop. Following the game, members of the Hapoel Tel Aviv team criticized the officiating, stating that the referees "hurt us" and that "Valencia doesn't need help from the officiating." They pointed to a critical stretch in the third quarter when the score was 47-45, where they felt a series of calls decided the game, noting that Valencia received 7-9 free throws compared to zero for Hapoel in a key moment. Itoudis also highlighted this disparity, stating that after Hapoel had cut the lead to two points, the game's outcome was influenced by free throw discrepancies. Blakeney, despite the loss, expressed optimism, calling Valencia a "great, rhythmic team" and emphasizing the need to analyze the game and improve. Hapoel Tel Aviv will now turn their attention to the Israeli league, facing Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Sunday, before a challenging double week in the EuroLeague with games against Besiktas and Panathinaikos.