Ironi Rain Nahariya opens Stage 2 with a statement win in Haifa

Ironi Rain Nahariya made a statement that it wants to reach Final 4 directly after starting Stage 2 with an important win. In a Group D clash the team defeated Maccabi Next Urban Haifa 87-76 away to remain on top of the group and to stay unbeaten. The visiting team led for the best part of the game and in the final minutes managed to pull away and to take the win. It puts the team on a 3-0 record while Maccabi is now at 1-2.

The teams exchanged one quarter with superiority in the first half so at the break the difference was just 2 points. Ironi Nahariya finished well the first ten minutes and thanks to a 16-6 run opened up a 13-point advantage. It was however quickly erased as Maccabi had an 18-2 run to start the second quarter and took the lead. Ironi finally responded and even managed to take the advantage once and was up after 20 minutes.

The visitors continued to have the lead in the second half as Maccabi stayed close but not close enough to overcome the deficit. Still after 30 minutes the difference was just 3 points so the hosts had their chances before the final quarter. They even tied the score early in it but Ironi Nahariya responded with a 14-3 run and never looked back after.

Five players scored in double figures for the winners with Stephaun Branch leading the way with 18 while also adding 9 rebounds. Dustin Thomas and Yogev Ohayon also did well as each scored 16 points and had 7 rebounds and 8 assists respectively.

The home side was led by the newcomer Steve Taylor who had a solid debut with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Kwame Vaughn and Raziel Hayun were the next best scorers with 13 points apiece.

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