Hap J’lem looks to secure place in Eurocup group stage

After edging Liege 62-59 in the first leg of the qualifying round in Belgium last week, Hapoel hosts the return leg in its first game of the season at the Malha.

By ALLON SINAI
311_ Hap Jlem vs. Liege (photo credit: Belgacom Liege website)
311_ Hap Jlem vs. Liege
(photo credit: Belgacom Liege website)
Hapoel Jerusalem cannot afford any lapses if it is to complete an aggregate victory over Belgacom Liege and advance to the group stage of the Eurocup on Tuesday evening.
After edging Liege 62-59 in the first leg of the qualifying round in Belgium last week, Hapoel hosts the return leg in its first game of the season at the Malha Arena on Tuesday, knowing it has still got plenty of work to do to avoid an early European exit.
“We recorded an important victory in the first leg, but we must remember that the game in Belgium was only the first half of the tie,” Jerusalem coach Oded Katash said.
“Our margin of victory is fragile and the Belgians proved they never give up so we’re expecting a tight game at Malha. We will have to be 100 percent composed to complete the mission and advance to the group stage.”
Will Solomon, who led Jerusalem with 15 points last week in his first appearance for the club after six years, is expecting an improved performance from the team and is confident Hapoel, who reached the quarterfinals of the competition last season, will get the job done on Tuesday evening.
“It was important to win the first leg to begin the season on the right foot,” Solomon said. “We have yet to display our true ability and I believe we will improve with every game. We are expecting a difficult second leg, but with the support of the fans and the energy in Malha we have to book our place in the group stage.”