Hapoel Tel Aviv Recovers with League Win After Tough Week

Following a challenging week that included two derby losses, one in the Winner Cup final, Hapoel Tel Aviv bounced back with a 78-71 victory over Bnei Herzeliya in the sixth round of the Winner League. The win, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, marked the team's second consecutive league victory, improving their record to 4-1. Hapoel Tel Aviv controlled the game, leading by as many as 16 points. Despite a less-than-brilliant offensive performance, the team relied on strong defense, holding Herzeliya to just nine points in the third quarter, which was the decisive run.

Key players for Hapoel Tel Aviv included Tai Odiase, who was dominant under the basket with 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting, and Tomer Ginat, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Antonio Blakeney scored 12 points, and Bar Timor added 10.

Coach Itoudis commented on the win, stating, "We built the lead slowly through defense. We knew we couldn't give Herzeliya an open court because they are dangerous and play at a high tempo. We succeeded in that. That's how we built a 16-point lead, but in the third quarter we were scattered and slowed down, and they managed to get closer. We did many good things and the victory was deserved."

When asked if complacency led to losing significant leads in past games, Itoudis responded, "I don't want to go there, I respect everyone. We are not arrogant, but we don't play alone on the court, there is an opponent. Things like that happen, we also came back from big deficits, against Bologna, against Bayern, also last season... It's not arrogance, I don't see arrogance in our team. Maybe a little carelessness, maybe a little sinking into the comfort zone, it's a combination of things, but not arrogance."

Hapoel Tel Aviv will aim to extend their winning streak next Saturday when they host Ironi Kiryat Ata in the seventh round.