Mac TA gets another shot at Gilboa/Galil in BSL opener

The Tel Aviv team is searching for revenge when it begins its regular season campaign.

By ALLON SINAI
Maccabi Tel Aviv Alan Anderson 311 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Maccabi Tel Aviv Alan Anderson 311
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
After winning the BSL League Cup with an 87-77 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Malha Arena on Thursday night, Maccabi Tel Aviv will go searching for revenge when it begins its regular season campaign on Sunday night.
Maccabi hosts Hapoel Gilboa/Galil at the Nokia Arena in a repeat of last season’s final, which Gilboa won handsomely to lift the second championship in club history.
However, both teams have gone through wholesale changes since, and anything but an easy Tel Aviv victory on Sunday would be a surprise.
“This is our easiest game of the season,” said new Gilboa/Galil coach Lior Lubin.
“We are a massive underdog and we have nothing to lose.”
Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa visits Hapoel Holon after its impressive progress to the group stage of the EuroChallange last week.
After losing 75-63 in France, Haifa thrashed Paris Levallois 89-66 at home and will be looking to carry the momentum into its BSL campaign.
Also Sunday, Maccabi Rishon Lezion hosts Barak Netanya.
On Monday, Hapoel Jerusalem visits Bnei Hasharon, while Maccabi Ashdod hosts Ironi Ashkelon.