Hapoel Jerusalem Maintains Perfect European Record After Thrilling Win
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Hapoel Jerusalem defeated Le Mans 90-83 to maintain a perfect 5-0 record in European competition after a tense game. Key late-game plays by David Roddy and Yovel Zoosman secured the victory. The team demonstrated resilience against a strong comeback from the French side. Jerusalem will next face Aris Thessaloniki in a battle of undefeated teams.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Jerusalem beat Le Mans 90-83 to keep a perfect 5-0 European record.
- David Roddy and Yovel Zoosman made crucial late-game plays for Jerusalem.
- Le Mans mounted a significant comeback after Jerusalem led by 14 points.
- Jerusalem's players showed composure and resilience under pressure.
- The team also holds perfect records in the Israeli league (3-0).
Hapoel Jerusalem secured a hard-fought 90-83 victory over French team Le Mans, maintaining their perfect 5-0 record in European competition. The game was a tense affair, with Jerusalem building a 14-point lead in the second quarter, only for Le Mans to mount a significant comeback in the second half, even taking the lead at one point. Key plays in the final minute, including a crucial basket by David Roddy and a decisive three-pointer from Yovel Zoosman, sealed the win for Jerusalem.
Despite the eventual victory, the path was far from easy. Le Mans, led by Jordan King's hot shooting from beyond the arc, erased Jerusalem's lead and took control of the game in the third quarter. However, Jerusalem's players demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, with strong defense and timely offense making the difference. Roddy finished with 13 points, Kenny Lofton Jr. led the team with 15 points and six rebounds, and Devonte' Cacok added 14 points and seven rebounds.
"Our composure, staying calm, that's what made the difference," said Roddy after the game. He emphasized the team's ability to win in any situation, stating, "We can win in any situation: whether it's good, whether it's going bad, whether we're not making shots or we are making shots, with turnovers or without turnovers. We can handle the pressure, we can handle the moment, and we're just going to keep building and improving every day."
Zoosman echoed the sentiment, describing the game as very difficult against an athletic Le Mans team. He highlighted the team's ability to remain calm in the final quarter and execute the right plays, including making crucial shots and securing rebounds in the closing minutes. The win solidifies Jerusalem's position in the tournament ahead of a top-of-the-table clash against Aris Thessaloniki next Wednesday, with both teams currently holding perfect records in their group.
The team is set to return to Israel and will host Hapoel Eilat on Sunday in a domestic league game. Jerusalem also holds a perfect 3-0 record in the Israeli league, and the upcoming game provides an opportunity to address turnovers, which were 13 in the EuroCup match, before facing the Greek team.
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