Hapoel Tel Aviv won in their debut in EUROHOLD Balkan League

        BC Hapoel Tel Aviv started their campaign in EUROHOLD Balkan League with a win over KK Napredak Rubin – 74:66. Both teams are newcomers in BIBL this season, but they managed to play an interesting game with no such a good basketball  in front of 1500 spectators in the full Hadar Yosef arena. This first clash was really important  for Hapoel and Napredak, as everyone wanted to start his participation in the League with a victory, that’s why the teams from Tel Aviv and Krusevac were stiff during the whole game.  
 
             The two teams started the game a little bit upset, as both sides were set to make their debut in the competition.  The first  quarter pаssed with a lot of missed shots and turnovers, as no one managed togo ahead with more than 2 points. After 10 minutes of play the result was tied - 16:16.
 
                The home side went strong into the second quarter and quickly started to build a lead. Matan Naor made an excellent performance in defence as he stole 3 consecutive balls in only 20 seconds, helping Hapoel to went ahead by double digit. Halfway through the second period of the game Hapoel held a 10-point lead, as finally the Israeli team had 10 points more than their Serbian opponents – 43:33.
 
            After halftime Hapoel continued to be the more active team, continuing to play a fast-paced game with a explosive shots, but their percentage tonight was almost terrible and this one with a combination with the high number of fouls were the reason that the team from Tel Aviv were not manage to increase their lead. On the other side KK Napredak continued to play in a tipical for the team from Serbia style, but in tonight’s game they showed that the lack of international experience  probably will be a key factor in all their games this season.
 
           Hapoel Tel Aviv started the last period with an advance of 11 points  - 62:51. In these ten minutes nothing on the court were changed. The bad percentage for both teams continued, as Hapoel and Napredak scored together only 16 points in the first 8 minutes of the quarter.  Until the end of the game Napredak didn′t manage to cut their deficit and lost  74:66.
 
           Curtis Kelly finished with double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. 13 points added Jonathan Skjoldebrand. Slaven Cupkovic nailed 17 points along with 7 boards, while Marko Puzic scored 16 for Napredak.
 
            In the next round BC Hapoel are going to play 2 games in 3 days - on 24th of October against Feni Industries in Kavadarci, and 2 days later in Universiada Hall the Israeli team will face the local side BC Levski. Napredak also will have a trip to Kavadarci, but the game against Feni is scheduled for 9th of November.