Bnei Hasharon races past Afula, Maccabi TA stays undefeated

Bnei Hasharon remains in third place in the standings and is slowly but surely cementing its place among the BSL's top clubs this season.

By ALLON SINAI
maccabi tel aviv 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
maccabi tel aviv 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
Bnei Hasharon recorded an impressive 99-77 win over Hapoel Afula/Gilboa in Matchday 6 of the BSL on Sunday night, and is already looking like a safe bet for a Final Four berth. Bnei Hasharon remains in third place in the standings and is slowly but surely cementing its place among the BSL's top clubs this season. The visitors were led by Moshe Mizrahi, who scored 28 points, and by Cookie Belcher, who had 23 points and seven assists. "I felt like I had more energy tonight. I got going early and got into my rhythm," Belcher said after the game. "We've got a good team and we just need to keep on working on our game." Bnei Hasharon got off to the better start and Jason Williams's basket gave his side a 23-15 lead. Hapoel was by no means out of it and, after closing the deficit to a mere two points at quarter's end (25-23), grabbed the lead at the start of the second period thanks to four straight points by Charles Lee. However, Bnei Hasharon surged forward and Belcher's three-pointers gave his side a 50-41 advantage at halftime. Lee Nailon (13 points), who was relatively quiet for a second straight week, put his team up 13 in the third quarter, but Hapoel closed to within three points (61-58) after a Guni Yisraeli (14 points and seven assists) three-pointer. However, the visitors replied with a 19-5 run and secured the victory with plenty of time to spare. Maccabi Tel Aviv 105,Ironi Ramat Gan 83 Maccabi Tel Aviv continued its undefeated start to the season, overpowering Ironi Ramat Gan. Avner Yaor, who won his first two games as Ramat Gan coach, suffered his first loss since taking charge, but will not be too disappointed at being defeated by last year's Euroleague finalist. Ramat Gan began the game with a 7-0 run. but, as expected, Maccabi closed the gap immediately and Lior Eliyahu's layup gave the visitors a 27-19 lead after the first quarter. The hosts had no intent of letting Tel Aviv run away with the game and a 15-5 run in the second period gave Ramat Gan a 34-33 lead. Maccabi, which led by seven (49-42) at halftime, raced forward at the start of the second half and its 31-12 third period gave it a 26-point lead. Neven Spahija's squad was up by as many as 28 points during the fourth quarter and cruised to another easy win. Jamie Arnold led the hosts with 21 points with Yotam Halperin adding 20 points of his own. Torraye Braggs had 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven assist for Ramat Gan with Jai Lewis scoring 14 points. Galil-Golan 88, Maccabi Rishon Lezion 75 Hapoel Galil Elyon got a precious win by outclassing Maccabi Rishon Lezion at Kfar Blum. The win was Galil's second in six games and the club is now tied with three other teams with two wins and four losses. Sasa Bratic topped the hosts with 26 points with Kenny Adeleke adding 16 points and 16 rebounds. Galil began the game with a 14-3 run, but Rishon fought back and the first period ended in a 21-20 lead for the hosts. Hapoel all but secured the win in the second quarter, which it won 26-13, and maintained its advantage throughout the remainder of the game. Rishon managed to come to within eight points, but couldn't complete a comeback and lost its third straight league game. Elitzur Ashkelon 95,Maccabi Givat Shmuel 87 Elitzur Ashkelon defeated Maccabi Givat Shmuel to claim its third consecutive victory. Marcus Hatten was Ashkelon's go-to guy once more, scoring 27 points with Boo Davis getting 26 points for Givat Shmuel. Ashkelon opened a small lead in the first quarter (25-20) and controlled the game throughout the 40 minutes, eventually winning by a comfortable margin.