Hap J’lem dismantles Ashkelon at Malha

Hapoel played one of its best offensive games of the season, scoring 25 points or more in every quarter while hitting 18 of 27 threes.

By ALLON SINAI
hapoel jerusalem 311 (photo credit: (FIBA EUROPE website))
hapoel jerusalem 311
(photo credit: (FIBA EUROPE website))
Hapoel Jerusalem claimed a much-needed confidence-boosting BSL victory on Monday, thrashing Ironi Ashkelon 105-75 at Malha Arena.
Jerusalem has been in dire straits recently, losing two of its last three league games and being knocked out of the State Cup by Barak Netanya last week.
Making matters even worse was the news that star forward Brian Randle will be out for at least two months with an ankle injury.
However, even without Randle and the new players it hopes to sign, Hapoel played one of its best offensive games of the season on Monday, scoring 25 points or more in every quarter while hitting 18 of 27 threepointers and dishing 29 assists.
“We haven’t played like this on the offensive end in a long time,” coach Oded Katash said.
“The difference in the second half was our defensive play.
This is a very important win for us and I’m very pleased with the way we played.”
Will Solomon led six Hapoel players in double-figures with 21 points, with Dion Dowell scoring 20.
Thomas Terrell and Rashon Turner had 18 points each for Ashkelon, which has lost four of five games.
After an edgy start to the game, Jerusalem found its rhythm midway through the first period and went on a 14-3 run to end the quarter, opening a 26-18 lead.
Ashkelon needed just three second-frame minutes to close the deficit, with a Terrell basket tying the score at 30-30.
However, the hosts made sure they had an important eight-point cushion (51-43) at the break after ending the first half with an 11-2 surge, and all but clinched the win in the first two minutes of the third frame.
A Yogev Ohayon basket capped an 8-0 run to start the second half and Jerusalem was in complete control after that, cruising to an important victory.