Bnei Hasharon sends Gilboa/Galil to second defeat of the season

Bnei Hasharon sends Gilb

By ALLON SINAI
Bnei Hasharon claimed an impressive 85-83 victory over Hapoel Gilboa/Galil in Herzliya on Saturday, while Hapoel Jerusalem sent Ironi Ramat Gan to its seventh straight loss, winning 79-70 at the Zisman Arena. Gilboa controlled the encounter in Herzliya for the first three periods, leading by as many as 11 points (74-63) with six-and-a-half minutes remaining. However, Bnei Hasharon went on a 21-4 run to clinch its second-straight league win, handing the team from the north its second defeat of the BSL season. Shawn James was a monster under the baskets for the hosts, scoring 26 points and taking 16 rebounds. Cookie Belcher scored 20 points, with Ron Steele contributing 17 points. "We displayed our character," Bnei Hasharon coach Dan Shamir said. "We are working hard and it is showing." Isaiah Swann led Gilboa with 15 points, but star guard Jeremy Pargo scored just 11 points, none of them in the second half. "They gathered momentum at the crucial moment and that won them the game," said Gilboa coach Oded Katash. Jerusalem trailed for much of the game against Ramat Gan, and was down 60-54 with two-and-a-half minutes to play in the third period. However, a 19-0 run gave Hapoel a stranglehold on the encounter and Guy Goodes's men will now focus on Tuesday's Eurocup game against KK Zadar at the Malha Arena. Kevin Pinkney led four Jerusalem players in double-figures, scoring 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Eddy Barlow scored 14 points for Ramat Gan, whose coach Danny Gutt is still searching for his first BSL victory. On Sunday, Hapoel Holon will likely join Ramat Gan at 0-7 as it hosts the unbeaten Maccabi Tel Aviv. Also Sunday, Maccabi Haifa goes for its fourth consecutive victory when it visits Ironi Nahariya, while Hapoel Afula hosts Ironi Ashkelon. Barak Netanya welcomes Maccabi Rishon Lezion on Monday.