Hapoel Jerusalem claims Winner Cup

Hapoel Jerusalem clinched the Israel Winner Cup thanks to a comfortable 77-62 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. The victory was further evidence that the balance of power in Israeli Basketball has shifted away from Maccabi Tel Aviv, at least for now.

Tel Aviv has dominated the Winner Cup six titles since the competition opened in 2006. However, Hapoel Jerusalem has been a regular thorn in the giant’s side and claimed its fourth Winner Cup title this weekend. The loss for Maccabi Tel Aviv continues a terrible run for the club as it failed to win the Winner League last season for only the sixth time in history.

Hapoel dominated the first quarter, plundering 24 points and stopping Tel Aviv at 13 points for a big lead through ten minutes. Maccabi hit back in the second act and was within 3 points at halftime, the scoreboard reading 38-35. Jerusalem tightened defensively in the third and used a 24-12 run to lead 62-47 through thirty minutes. The deficit allowed Hapoel to control the fourth quarter and ease to victory.

Bar Timor led the win with 13 points, while Tarence Kinsey was good for 12 points in the win.

Sonny Weems helped himself to a game high 16 points for Maccabi Tel Aviv, followed by Maik Zirbes with 13 points.