Local Hoops: Ashkelon wins on road against Nahariya

Team records its first victory of the season, defeating Ironi Nahariya 90-84.

By ALLON SINAI
basketballs 88 (photo credit: )
basketballs 88
(photo credit: )
Ironi Ashkelon recorded its first victory of the season in impressive fashion on Monday, defeating Ironi Nahariya 90-84 on the road. After losing its home opener to Hapoel Jerusalem last week, Ashkelon was desperate to kick-start its season in Nahariya and it certainly showed on Monday. A tight first quarter ended in a 22-20 Ashkelon lead, but the visitors seized control of the encounter in the second and opened a 51-37 margin by the break. Ashkelon continued to extend its advantage in the third period, leading 73-54 with 10 minutes to play, and the game seemed to be over. A 16-0 run, however, gave Nahariya some hope and with a minute to play the team was within three points (85-82). But that would prove to be as close as the hosts would come and Ashkelon held on for the important victory. Tre Kelley led Ashkelon scoring 29 points, with Steve Burtt adding 23 points. Ron Lewis and Raviv Limonad scored 23 and 21 points respectively for Nahariya.