Hapoel Eilat Secures Gritty Win, Coach Praises Team's Character

Hapoel Eilat achieved their third victory of the season on Monday, narrowly defeating Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona 88-86. This win snapped a two-game losing streak, bringing Eilat's record to 3-2 and placing them fourth in the league standings. Coach Oren Aharoni highlighted the team's strong finish, particularly their exceptional defense in the final three minutes, and credited key three-pointers from Abel Cavill and Brian Cameron. He also noted the effectiveness of a defensive scheme change in securing the crucial win, which he described as a "victory of character."

Four Eilat players scored in double figures, led by Kendall McCollum with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Tzuf Ben Moshe contributed 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Jabonte Hawkins added 16 points. James Dickey continued his strong performance with 12 points and 7 rebounds. The team was particularly satisfied with their ability to maintain composure and intensity in the closing moments of a difficult game.

Aharoni acknowledged that Be'er Sheva increased their aggressiveness, leading to a more physical game, but felt his team responded well in the fourth quarter, improving their ball security and offensive execution. Eilat outrebounded Be'er Sheva 35-26 and forced 12 turnovers compared to the opponent's 5. However, Eilat's 16 turnovers were identified as an area for improvement.

Looking ahead, Aharoni commented on the league's competitiveness, stating that outside of the top three teams, any team can be beaten on a given day. He emphasized the need for the right approach, intensity, and focus for each upcoming game. Eilat's next match is an away game against Hapoel Galil Elyon, who currently share the same record.