Maccabi Ashdod Coach Expresses Frustration After Third Straight Loss

Maccabi Ashdod suffered their third consecutive league defeat on Monday, losing 92-88 at home to Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona. The loss drops Ashdod's record to 1-3 on the season. Coach Dan Katzir acknowledged the team's instability, stating, "We are not there. We are not stable." He pointed to defensive lapses, noting that the team concedes 92 points even when performing better offensively. Katzir described the team as "naive" and "unstable," attributing the three straight losses to these issues.

Ashdod had built a double-digit lead earlier in the game, but Beer Sheva/Dimona mounted a comeback, eventually taking a double-digit lead themselves. In the closing minute, Ashdod managed to narrow the deficit to a single point. However, two missed shots under pressure by Ashdod allowed Beer Sheva/Dimona to secure the victory.

Captain Robert Turner led Ashdod with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Omer Ben David contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds, Isaiah Hillel added 12 points and 6 assists, and Shawn Dawson scored 10 points with 4 rebounds.

Katzir took responsibility for the team's performance, stating, "The responsibility is first and foremost on me, and we will do what is necessary to be better." He indicated that the team would explore options in the market and continue to strive for improvement, acknowledging the challenges faced by a struggling basketball team.