Hapoel Holon continues its rise

Defeats Maccabi Haifa 73-72.

By ALLON SINAI
Hapoel Holon continued its resurgence under Miki Dorsman on Saturday night, edging Maccabi Haifa 73-72, a week after stunning Hapoel Jerusalem at Malha Arena.
Dorsman, who left the club after guiding it to an historic championship in the 2007/08 season, rejoined Holon at the start of the year and on Saturday led the side to its fourth victory in seven BSL games after it began the season with a 1-7 record.
Holon’s victories in the past two weeks are especially impressive as they came against Jerusalem and Haifa, two of the league’s best teams.
Holon scored just 22 points in the second half of Saturday’s game, but Haifa managed only 19 after scoring 53 points in the first half.
Yoni Nir led Holon with 20 points, with Antonio Graves adding 14 points.
Jason Rich had 17 points for Haifa, which suffered its third defeat in its last five games.
A high-scoring first period ended in a 30-27 Haifa lead and the visitors were ahead 53-51 after a tight first half.
Both teams struggled desperately after the break, but Holon held its nerve better in the closing minutes to claim a significant win.
Five more BSL games will be played on Sunday, with four of the encounters to be played in the afternoon especially for Purim.
Ironi Ramat Gan, which has won two straight games since Yaniv Burger replaced Danny Gutt as coach, hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Ironi Ashkelon visiting Barak Netanya.
Elsewhere Sunday, Ironi Nahariya welcomes Hapoel Afula, Hapoel Gilboa/Galil hosts Maccabi Rishon Lezion and Hapoel Jerusalem visits Bnei Hasharon in the main game of the weekend to be played in the evening.