After tough loss, time for Hapoel J’lem to regroup

Hapoel failed to advance to the Last 16 of the Eurocup.

By ALLON SINAI
hapoel jerusalem_311 (photo credit: Cajasol Sevilla website)
hapoel jerusalem_311
(photo credit: Cajasol Sevilla website)
After a bitterly disappointing exit from the Eurocup last week, Hapoel Jerusalem coach Oded Katash is urging his players to lift their heads as they resume their BSL campaign at Maccabi Ashdod on Sunday night.
Despite beginning the Eurocup regular season with three wins in four games, Hapoel failed to advance to the Last 16 last Tuesday, losing 84-70 to Cajasol Sevilla at Malha Arena, its second straight continental defeat.
Much was expected from Jerusalem’s European campaign, but Katash knows that there is no use in crying over spilled milk and is hoping his team will rebound against inform Ashdod.
“We will have to put the Eurocup aside and concentrate on the league,” said Katash, whose team has won six of its last seven league encounters.
“Ashdod is undoubtedly the surprise team of the season so far. They have a strong side with good players that have taken the team to third position.
We are facing a tough game, but we certainly want to return to winning ways.”
Ashdod was one of the favorites to be relegated at the start of the season, especially after it lost three of its first four games.
However, Ofer Berkowitz has since guided his side to five wins in six contests, none by more than six points.
Also Sunday, Bnei Hasharon will try to snap a three-game losing streak when it hosts Maccabi Rishon Lezion, while Maccabi Haifa goes in search of its first BSL win in six games when it visits Gilboa/Galil.
Barak Netanya hosted Hapoel Holon late on Saturday night, while Maccabi Tel Aviv will welcome Ironi Ashkelon on Monday.Euroc