Hap J’lem hangs on to topple Netanya

It will be at least a few weeks until the changes can be judged, but at least the new-look Jerusalem finally showed some fighting spirit.

By ALLON SINAI
Local hoops 390 (photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Local hoops 390
(photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Hapoel Jerusalem steadied the ship slightly with an 88-83 win over Barak Netanya in BSL action on Sunday night, returning to winning ways after two consecutive humbling defeats.
A home loss to Hapoel Gilboa/Galil was followed by a road defeat at the struggling Ironi Ashkelon last week, resulting in changes to Jerusalem’s roster ahead of Sunday’s game.
Center Jarvis Varnado had his request to be released granted, while Demetri McCamey was told his services are no longer required following the signing of Ramel Bradley from Maccabi Ashdod.
It will be at least a few weeks until the changes can be judged, but at least the new-look Jerusalem finally showed some fighting spirit on Sunday, struggling to finish off Netanya in the fourth quarter, but nevertheless holding on for an important win.
Netanya had a 25-21 lead after 10 minutes, but the visitors were outscored 28-13 in the second period and Jerusalem had a double-digit margin (49-38) at the break.
Jerusalem still seemed to be in complete control with 10 minutes remaining (71-59), but it allowed Netanya back within four points (86-82) late in the game before staving off the comeback.
Yuval Naimi led six Jerusalem players in double-figures with 15 points in his second game back form injury, with Bradley adding 14 points in his debut.
Adrian Banks had 20 points for Netanya, which lost its third straight game.
Hapoel Holon moved tied with Hapoel Gilboa/Galil for second place in the standings, improving to a 9-5 record on Sunday by beating the northerners 89-80.
Holon began the game with a 12-2 run and never looked back on its way to a third straight win.
Bryant Dunston had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Holon, with Moran Rot contributing 16 points and 15 assists.
Romeo Travis scored 19 points for Gilboa.
Maccabi Haifa suffered its eighth consecutive defeat on Sunday, dropping to a dramatic 81-80 home loss to Ironi Ashkelon in Rami Hadar’s debut as coach.
Marco Killingsworth led the winners with 24 points, with Dwayne Mitchell scoring 15, including the two crucial free throws in the decisive seconds.
Carlos Powell scored 21 points for Haifa.
Maccabi Rishon Lezion won its fourth straight game on Sunday, defeating Bnei Hasharon 90-80.
Joe Crawford had 25 points for Rishon, with Tweety Carter scoring 22 for Bnei Hasharon, which lost for the sixth time in seven games.