Maccabi Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Jerusalem in the semifinals of the Chance Cup on Tuesday night after crushing Barak Netanya 117-66 in the quarterfinals at Malha Arena on Monday.The yellow-and-blue effectively clinched the win after just five minutes, opening a 15- point margin (20-5) following a three-pointer by Yogev Ohayon, who impressed once again.Netanya took advantage of lax Tel Aviv defending to close within six points (32-26) at the start of the second period, but Maccabi replied with a 25-4 run to end the half, opening an unassailable 27-point cushion (57-30) at the break.“Jerusalem played relatively well on Sunday and clearly it will be a tougher game than tonight,” Maccabi coach David Blatt said.Lior Eliyahu led seven Maccabi players in double-figures with 17 points. Shawn James added 16 points and 13 rebounds, while David Blu had 15 points. Even Jon Scheyer finally got to contribute, scoring 13 points.Adrian Banks had 29 points to lead Netanya.In Tuesday’s first semifinal, Maccabi Rishon Lezion will face Hapoel Holon, which thrashed Hapoel Gilboa/Galil 101-67 on Monday.Holon seized control and opened a double-digit lead in the second quarter before outscoring Gilboa 35-14 in the final frame for an emphatic win.Moran Rot was superb for the victors, scoring 24 points and dishing out five assists, while Ron Lewis added 20 points and Tasmin Mitchell scored 17.Dagan Yavzuri had 19 points for Gilboa, which hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv in its league opener on Sunday.
