Hapoel Jerusalem Tops Hapoel Tel Aviv, Reaches League Summit

Hapoel Jerusalem defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 70-60 on Sunday night, seizing sole possession of first place in the Israeli Basketball Premier League with a perfect 3-0 record. The victory came after the reigning champion Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered a surprising loss, allowing its rivals to gain ground.

Hapoel Jerusalem led for most of the game, which was characterized by a slow pace and close score. However, Jerusalem managed to win three of the four quarters, ultimately pulling away in the final minutes to secure a significant win against a direct competitor.

"The fans were our sixth man. We did a good defensive job and stopped their leading players," said Hapoel Jerusalem coach Sasa Obradovic after the game. "We held them to 60 points and found good solutions in offense. Overall, I am satisfied."

Obradovic added, "It's always fun to beat Hapoel. We are a new team and improving every game. We know how to communicate well, and the players love each other. You can see it." He also emphasized the importance of rebounding, calling it "the key," and expressed enjoyment of the atmosphere in Israeli basketball, noting "something special" with the three major teams.

Player Yuval Sussman, who contributed 6 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes, stated, "We stayed concentrated and focused throughout the game, even when Hapoel Tel Aviv was making a run. We have a lot of qualities and we believe in ourselves." He also praised teammate Kenny Lofton, who scored 13 points, calling him an "exceptional talent," but stressed the team's overall strength.

Hapoel Jerusalem will now turn its attention to the European stage, facing Le Mans on Wednesday. The team's owner, Matan, spoke with the players after the game, and his mother, Miriam Eldadson, was also in attendance. Approximately 500 Jerusalem fans provided a strong atmosphere, earning praise from attendees.