Mallet shines in Maccabi TAs’ thrashing of Novo Mesto

“I’m mainly happy we won and that I was able to contribute a bit more than Thursday,” Mallet said.

By ALLON SINAI
Demond Mallet 311 R (photo credit: REUTERS)
Demond Mallet 311 R
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Demond Mallet gave Maccabi Tel Aviv fans a taste of his talents on Saturday, leading the yellow-and-blue to a 77-57 victory over Novo Mesto to improve to 14-1 in the Adriatic League.
Mallet, who officially joined the team from Charleroi last week, had just two points and three assists on his debut in Thursday’s win over Lasko, but he scored 18 points, including two three-pointers, in Saturday’s victory and is feeling more and more at home at Nokia Arena with every game.
“I’m mainly happy we won and that I was able to contribute a bit more than Thursday,” Mallet said.
“It’s just about confidence. My teammates keep pushing me and my coach has confidence in me. “I’m just trying to get acclimated.”
Just like on Thursday, Maccabi took time to find its rhythm against Novo Mesto, falling to an early 10-2 deficit.
The Slovenians still led after 10 minutes (17-15), but a Mallet three to end the first half gave the hosts a 38-29 margin and Maccabi sailed to another easy win after the break.
Devin Smith added 14 points for the yellow-andblue, which visits Bnei Hasharon in its next game in the last 16 of the State Cup on Monday.
Sharon Drucker faces his first real test as Hapoel Jerusalem coach on Sunday when the Reds visit Maccabi Rishon Lezion in a tricky cup tie.
Jerusalem thrashed Bnei Hasharon last week in Drucker’s first game at the helm since replacing Oded Katash as coach, but Effi Birenboim’s Rishon will pose a far greater threat on Sunday.
Also Sunday, Hapoel Holon hosts Barak Netanya, Maccabi Haifa visits BC Habika’a, Hapoel Gilboa/Galil travels to Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tivon welcomes Maccabi Ashdod, Ironi Ashkelon visits Elitzur Ramle.
In the only all-National League tie of the round Hapoel Afula faces Maccabi Hod Hasharon.
On TV: State Cup: Maccabi Rishon Lezion vs Hapoel Jerusalem (live on Channel 1 at 7 p.m.)