Mac TA makes it 7-0 in Adriatic, set to host J’lem

Yellow-and-Blue will be looking to record its third victory in four days when it hosts Hapoel Jerusalem in BSL action.

By ALLON SINAI
MACCABI TEL AVIV FORWARD Lior Eliyahu 311 (photo credit: Adi Avishai)
MACCABI TEL AVIV FORWARD Lior Eliyahu 311
(photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Maccabi Tel Aviv edged Olimpija Ljubljana 67-66 at Nokia Arena on Saturday night to move to 7-0 in the Adriatic League.
After surviving a scare against Spirou Charleroi in the Euroleague on Thursday, Maccabi trailed late in the fourth quarter against previously undefeated Ljubljana before eking out a win thanks in large part to Yogev Ohayon, who stole the ball with 20 seconds remaining and coasted in for a layup to give the hosts a 66-62 lead.
Lior Eliyahu led Maccabi with 19 points and nine rebounds, while David Blu added 13.
After making it two wins in three days, Maccabi, which rested Jordan Farmar on Saturday, will be looking to go one better and record its third victory in four days when it hosts Hapoel Jerusalem in BSL action on Sunday.
A visit to Nokia Arena is the last thing Jerusalem needs after its rocky start to the season.
After losing two of its first three BSL games, Hapoel improved to 3-2 last week with its second straight league win.
However, its vulnerability was exposed once more in its midweek Eurocup defeat at BC Donetsk, and though he’d never admit it, coach Oded Katash would take a close loss at Nokia.
Nevertheless, with Maccabi playing for the third time in 72 hours, Hapoel may have a rare chance to surprise the champions.
“We are facing an important week because after the Maccabi game we also face Cibona Zagreb in the Eurocup,” Jerusalem forward Uri Kukia said. “We have been thrashed in recent visits to Nokia, but I hope that the fact they will be playing for the third time in four days will work in our favor.”
Maccabi Ashdod begins life without Craig Brackins on Sunday when it hosts Maccabi Haifa. The Philadelphia 76ers forward returned to the US after his contract ended and Josh Duncan returned from injury.
Hapoel Gilboa/Galil will be without Courtney Fells for its game against BC Habika’a on Sunday after the American flew to the US on Saturday following his brother’s death in a car accident.
Also Sunday, Barak Netanya welcomes Hapoel Holon, while Ironi Ashkelon will look to return to the top of the standings with a win over Maccabi Rishon Lezion on Monday.