Wins 106-95 in the first leg of their State Cup quarter final tie.
By ALLON SINAIhapoel jm 298.88(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Hapoel Jerusalem took a giant step towards reaching the State Cup semifinals by defeating Maccabi Givat Shmuel 106-95 in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie on Saturday night.
Jerusalem opened up an early advantage and continued to increase its lead throughout the game. The visitors led by 20 points at halftime, but a late surge by Givat Shmuel cut the margin to 11 points and gave the club some hope ahead of the second leg at Malha.
Terence Morris, who has replaced Tamar Slay, debuted for Hapoel and together with Meir Tapiro starred for the visitors.
After the first quarter ended with a 29-22 Jerusalem lead, the visitors went on a scoring frenzy in the second period and led 62-42 at the break.
Hapoel maintained a comfortable advantage in the third quarter and entered the final 10 minutes with a 13-point lead (76-63).
Jerusalem extended the margin at the start of the fourth period, but Givat Shmuel scored late to end the game with a respectable loss.
The three remaining quarterfinals will be played on Sunday night.
Maccabi Tel Aviv hosts Ironi Nahariya, Bnei Hasharon faces Hapoel Afula/Gilboa and lone National league representative Hapoel Yokneam/Megiddo plays Ironi Ramat Gan.
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