Jerusalem crushes Hapoel Beersheba

Reds coach Oded Katash was all smiles following the contest.

By JOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL JERUSALEM’S Amar’e Stoudemire shoots over Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Tarik Black for two of his 22 points in the Reds’ 98-92 home overtime victory last night in BSL action (photo credit: UDI ZITIAT)
HAPOEL JERUSALEM’S Amar’e Stoudemire shoots over Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Tarik Black for two of his 22 points in the Reds’ 98-92 home overtime victory last night in BSL action
(photo credit: UDI ZITIAT)
In BSL play, Hapoel Jerusalem made easy work of Hapoel Beersheba, winning 118-89 down south on Monday night.
The capital city squad took command early on and disposed of the hosts on the strength of 24 points by James Feldeine, who led seven Jerusalem scorers in double digits. Amar’e Stoudemire scored 17 points, Da’Sean Butler added 16 points and Josh Owens ended his night with 12 points in the win. Jordan Swing scored 20 points as Kerron Johnson dropped 18 points for Beersheba in the loss.
Reds coach Oded Katash was all smiles following the contest.
“I was happy as to how we played on the offensive side of the ball, but I have to acknowledge the fact that our shooting percentages were very high,” said Katash. “We still have plenty to improve on the defensive side of our game to get to where we need to be.”
Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv dismantled Bnei Herzliya 102-58 to extend its first-place lead.
The yellow-and-blue scored early and often for coach Ioannis Sfairpoulos, including a 33-7 advantage in the third quarter.
Jake Cohen scored 20 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the field. Johnny O’Bryant added 18 points while youngster Deni Avdija and Scottie Wilbekin each scored 14 points in the win.
Elsewhere, Maccabi Rishon Lezion defeated Ironi Nahariya 92-84 in the wine city.
Cameron Long led all scorers with 21 points, Alex Hamilton and Diamon Simpson each dropped 16 points while Nimrod Tishman and Adan Ariel scored 13 apiece in the win.
Anthony Barber (16 points) and Egor Nestrenko (13 points) were the high scorers for Nahariya in defeat. Hapoel Holon visited Gan Ner in the Galilee and topped Hapoel Gilboa/Galil 94-73.
Scotty Hopson made his Israel league debut for Holon after spending the majority of the season in the NBA G-League but suffered a foot injury which limited him to 10 points in 15 minutes of action. Corey Walden scored 21 points and Scottie Reynolds added 15 points in the victory, while Ian Miller led Gilboa with 24 points.
Hapoel Eilat defeated Ness Ziona 89-77 in the Red Sea City as to secure a top-four finish, while Hapoel Tel Aviv dismantled Maccabi Ashdod 104-76, with Tomer Ginat’s 19 points leading the way for the Reds.