Local hoops: Jerusalem survives against Nahariya to hold on to top spot

Hapoel Jerusalem's 93-92 is its sixth straight BSL victory.

By ALLON SINAI
Hapoel Jerusalem 224.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Hapoel Jerusalem 224.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
A Yuval Naimi basket with three seconds to play gave Hapoel Jerusalem its sixth straight BSL victory on Sunday, a 93-92 win over Ironi Nahariya at the Malha Arena. Naimi had initially missed a three-point attempt with nine seconds remaining, but the rebound fell into Moran Rot's hands and he found Naimi under the basket for the winning two points. "We almost lost because of the mistakes we made," said Naimi, who claimed his team was gifted the win by Nahariya's blunders. Timmy Bowers led Jerusalem scoring 25 points, with Naimi adding 15 points and Travis Watson contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds. Roger Powell and Rot each scored 13 points and Omar Sneed scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Raviv Limonad, Aaron McGhee and Yogev Ohayon scored 22, 21 and 20 points respectively for Nahariya. Also Sunday, Maccabi Tel Aviv thrashed Ironi Ramat Gan 102-56 at Ironi's Zisman Arena. Maccabi will be pleased with the effortless victory ahead of Thursday's crucial Euroleague encounter at Unicaja Malaga. Lior Eliyahu scored 19 points for Tel Aviv, which raced to an early lead and never looked back. Hapoel Holon suffered a surprise defeat on Sunday, losing 89-85 at home to Maccabi Givat Shmuel. Steffon Bradford scored 22 points for Givat Shmuel, with Luis Flores getting 26 points for Holon, which lost important ground in its chase of a Final Four berth. Hapoel Galil Elyon/Gilboa maintained its position in the top four on Sunday, defeating Elitzur Kiryat Ata 86-75. On Monday, Maccabi Haifa hosts Ironi Ashkelon.