Euro Hoops: Hapoel J'lem aims for Eurocup group stage

Euro Hoops Hapoel Jlem

By ALLON SINAI
Hapoel Jerusalem needs a three-point victory over French club Roanne at Malha Arena on Wednesday night to advance to the regular season of the Eurocup. Guy Goodes's team suffered an 83-81 loss in the first leg in France last week and will be hoping the home support can push it to the slender victory it needs in order to progress to the group stage. "There is no doubt that Malha is worth a few points," Goodes said. "Jerusalem and Roanne are similar teams and if we lose concentration they will be able to open a lead. The outcome of the tie is in our hands." Hapoel led by as many as 17 points in the second period of the first leg, but Roanne closed the gap by the break and the game was eventually decided by a late basket. Jerusalem has impressed so far this season, winning the Winner Cup with a victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv before claiming its BSL season opener at Maccabi Rishon Lezion on Saturday.