Hapoel Tel Aviv Recovers With Win Over Bnei Herzliya

Hapoel Tel Aviv bounced back from two recent derby losses, including in the Winner Cup final, by defeating Bnei Herzliya 78-71 in the sixth round of the Winner League. This victory marks their second consecutive league win, improving their record to 4-1. The team, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, aims to extend their winning streak next Saturday when they host Ironi Kiryat Ata.

Tai Odiase led Hapoel with 21 points, while Tomer Ginat contributed a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Antonio Blakeney scored 12 points and Bar Timor added 10. Hapoel Tel Aviv maintained the lead throughout the game, at one point by 16 points. Their strong defense, which limited Herzliya to just nine points in the third quarter, was key to their significant run.

Despite not reaching 80 points in their last three games across all competitions, Itoudis and his players are focused on improving their offensive output. Odiase was particularly effective offensively, scoring 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Ginat's double-double performance was also crucial.

Coach Itoudis commented on the win, stating, "We built the lead slowly through defense. We knew we couldn't give Herzliya 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 win was deserved."

When asked if Hapoel Tel Aviv lost significant leads due to arrogance, 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."