Hap TA downs Hap Holon, advances to State Cup quarters

National League leader joins Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Gilboa/Galil by defeating Hapoel Holon 93-85 at Hadar Yosef.

By ALLON SINAI
hapoel tel aviv 88 (photo credit: )
hapoel tel aviv 88
(photo credit: )
National League leader Hapoel Tel Aviv joined Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Gilboa/Galil in the quarterfinals of the State Cup on Tuesday night, defeating Hapoel Holon 93-85 at Hadar Yosef.
Tel Aviv, which is on course for promotion to the BSL after beginning its National League campaign with 13 straight victories, was even with its top-flight opponent throughout Tuesday’s game before clinching the win with a late surge.
A very tight first half ended in a 51-48 Tel Aviv lead and it was still anyone’s game with 10 minutes to play, with the hosts ahead by a single point (72-71).
The close contest would finally be decided in its closing stages, with Tel Aviv going on a 7-0 run, capped by a Brian Asbury threepointer, to open an 87-80 gap from which Holon could not return.
Asbury led Tel Aviv with 34 points and 14 rebounds, with Adrian Utter contributing 22 points and 10 rebounds. Rich Melzer had 28 points for Holon.
“This is our biggest win of the season,” Asbury said.
“We tried to come out and play as a team and that’s what we did. This is a great win which shows we can compete against any team.”
The remaining five quarterfinalists will be decided on Wednesday and Thursday, with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Gilboa/Galil receiving a bye into the last eight.
On Wednesday, Maccabi Ashdod hosts Bnei Hasharon, Barak Netanya visits Maccabi Hod Hasharon, Hapoel Jerusalem goes to Hapoel Afula and Maccabi Haifa welcomes Maccabi Rishon Lezion.
BC Habika’a hosts Ironi Ashkelon on Thursday.