Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Holon 84-74 in Game 2 of the Israeli League semifinals to take a 2–0 lead in the series.
Although both teams were evenly matched for most of the opening quarter, Jaylen Hoard took control in the second five minutes, becoming Maccabi Tel Aviv’s main offensive force. At the same time, Hapoel Holon were held scoreless during that stretch, allowing Maccabi to build a double-digit lead (23-9).
Oded Kattash’s team looked stronger throughout most of the second quarter, steadily extending their advantage, with Oshae Brissett – one of Partizan’s recent targets – also playing a solid role. On the other side, Adama Sanogo kept Hapoel Holon in the game and helped them cut the deficit to 10 points at halftime (42–32).
However, the third quarter brought a complete collapse from the home side. They went more than four minutes without scoring again, just as they were closing in on a single-digit deficit. Hoard once again dominated, while Maccabi Tel Aviv continued to stretch their lead (64–43).
The “Israel Pride” eventually reached a game-high +24, and despite a slightly weaker finish, they controlled the remainder of the contest and secured a comfortable victory.
Hoard was the standout performer with 30 points and 15 rebounds, Brissett added 13 points, and Iffe Lundberg scored 12. Sanogo led Hapoel Holon with 22 points.
Maccabi Tel Aviv now leads the series 2–0, with Game 3 scheduled to be played on their home court on Friday, June 12.
