Hapoel Eilat stuns Maccabi T-A, 89-82

For the first time in 15 years, Hapoel Eilat was able to record its first win over Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv. The overtime, 89-82 victory came at a crucial time as it happened in the Second Stage of the Winner League. Newly promoted Hapoel Eilat definitely made a big splash with this win and are looking forward to facing Maccabi Haifa next.

American import Scotty Hopson (200 cm, Tennessee’11) led the charge for Hapoel Eilat as he dropped 28 points and grabbed nine boards against Maccabi T-A. Hopson had this to say after the game:

“The game today was a lot of fun,” said Hopson. “We’ve had close games with them all season. They are one of the best teams in Europe and we won the game defensively, stopping them down the stretch.”

Avi Ben-Chimol (194 cm) did a good job at point for the team as he had a balanced game, scoring 16 points of his own while handing out seven assists. It was Larry O’Bannon (194 cm, Louisville’05) who drilled a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 74-74 with 19 seconds left, to force an extra period of action.

David Logan (185 cm, Indianapolis’05) led five Maccabi players in double figures with 19 points.