Hapoel Tel Aviv with a solid performance against HKK Zrinjski

             Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved their second road victory in EUROHOLD Balkan League this season after an easy game against the Bosnian HKK Zrinjski - 67:85. In Bijeli Brijeg in Mostar Erez Edelshtein squad saw no difficulties against their opponents, finishing the year in a winning way and deservedly improved their record to 4-1. On the other side HKK Zrinjski registered their fifth consecutive loss in a row, staying without win.
 
 
          The game started better for the guests from Tel Aviv, who won the first quarter by 12 points - 15:27. During the opener period Hapoel were feeling really comfortable, taking the lead from the first minute. On the other side Zrinjski tried to stay closer to their opponents, but Matan Naor and Curtis Kelly were simply unstoppable for them.  In the second period, Boris Dzidic`s side took the game in their hands, dominating the court, as the difference dropped to only 5 points in the 17th minute – 30:35. After 21:16, Israeli team w Stere up by 7 points at halftime - 36:43. Unfortunately for the local fans, it was the only period in which HKK Zrinjski succeded to be equivalent to Hapoel. After 30 minutes of play the score was 55:66,
as the guests from Tel Aviv managed to increase their lead, as everything was almost decided, when Zrinjski′s big men Aleksandar Radulovic was fouled out. In the last period turned both coaches gave chance to all their players to prove themselves, as Zrinjski′s players probably affected by the fatigue failed to follow
their opponents in the end didn′t managed to take their first victory in the EUROHOLD Balkan League. In the final minutes, Hapoel also could make the difference bigger than 20 points, as Bar Timor received good chances and made 9 points in only 5 minutes, setting to full-time score to 67:85 in their favour.

 

 

           Demontez Stitt led the winners, nailing 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Curtis Kelly added 18 points and 6 boards, while Matan Naor scored 12, along with 6 rebounds. Almir Hasandic was the best scorer in the tonight′s game, scoring 26 points in the losing case. American forward Marcel Jones had another solid performance for Zrinjski, ending the game with double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds.

 

          In the next round, after New year on 18th of January HKK Zrinjski are hosting the Bulgarian representative BC Levski in looking to register their first victory this season.  On the opposite side Hapoel Tel Aviv  will have to travel to Krusevac, facing the local Napredak Rubin on 19th of January.