Haifa defeated Barak Netanya 88-71 on Friday afternoon in a game postponed from the first week of the season.
By ALLON SINAIMACCABI HAIFA forward Donta Smith 370(photo credit: Oded Karni/BSL)
Maccabi Haifa hosts Hapoel Gilboa/Galil in BSL action on Sunday night, hoping to claim its third win in five days, while also reserving energy ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Eurocup encounter.Haifa defeated Barak Netanya 88-71 on Friday afternoon in a game postponed from the first week of the season, improving to a 6-2 record and climbing to the top of the BSL standings.The Greens face VEF Riga at Romema Arena on Wednesday knowing a victory will officially secure their progress to the Eurocup Last 32.Haifa coach Danny Franco complained last week that his team was being treated unfairly by the BSL after the league announced that the game against Netanya, which was originally postponed due to Haifa’s US tour, will be played on Friday.However, Haifa seized control of the encounter by outscoring the hosts 22-9 in the second quarter and claimed sole possession of first place.Venezuelan guard David Cubillan led Haifa with 18 points, with Donta Smith recording yet another outstanding performance, contributing 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.Dawan Robinson had 24 points for Netanya, which fell to 4-4.Ironi Ness Ziona (5-3), the only team to beat Haifa in the league other than Maccabi Tel Aviv, will be aiming to build on last week’s triumph over the Greens when it visits Maccabi Ashdod on Sunday.Also Sunday, Hapoel Eilat (5-3) hosts Maccabi Rishon Lezion (2-6) and Hapoel Holon (4-3) visits Bnei Herzliya (3-5).On Monday, Netanya welcomes Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv in a mouthwatering showdown at Malha Arena.The game will see Lior Eliyahu face Maccabi Tel Aviv for the first time since he was released by the yellow- and-blue this summer and signed a three-year contract with its arch-rival.
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