Maccabi TA faces Herzliya after Euroleague loss

Maccabi Tel Aviv hosts Bnei Herzliya in the BSL on Sunday night, looking to rebound from Thursday’s worrying Euroleague setback.

Maccabi was second best throughout the 79-69 loss at Montepaschi Siena, dropping to a well-deserved defeat in its Top 16 opener.

Nevertheless, coach David Blatt didn’t seem too concerned as Maccabi returned to Israel on Friday.

“We will play 14 games in the Top 16 so one game doesn’t determine what type of team we are,” Blatt explained.

“This was a tough road game and it doesn’t mean anything apart from the fact that we have fallen to 0-1.”

As in its two defeats in the Euroleague regular season, Maccabi once more struggled desperately from beyond the arc, connecting on only four of 18 threepoint attempts in Siena. Over its three continental losses this season the yellow-andblue has shot just 24 percent (11-of-46) from three.

“We did a pretty good job defensively, but we didn’t play well offensively,” Blatt admitted.

“We need to first prepare for Sunday’s game and after that work during the week in the hope that we will beat Caja Laboral Vitoria on Thursday,” Blatt added. “Any BSL game after a difficult trip abroad is tough. Herzliya is coming off a good win last week and its rebuilt roster is starting to gel.”

Herzliya beat Hapoel Eilat 83-77 last Sunday, winning its second straight game after losing five consecutive contests.

Also Sunday, Hapoel Holon will look to snap its six-game losing streak when it visits Barak Netanya, while Maccabi Ashdod hosts Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa goes to Maccabi Rishon Lezion.

On Monday, Hapoel Jerusalem welcomes Eilat to Malha Arena and Hapoel Gilboa/Galil visits Ironi Ashkelon.