Eilat start Victory Away from Returning to the Premier League

Eilat Triumphs Over Rishon Lezion

In a decisive matchup, Hapoel Eilat defeated Maccabi Rishon Lezion 89-76, taking a 2-1 lead in their playoff series and bringing them closer to a return to the Israeli Premier League after just start season in the lower division.

A Dominant Second Quarter

Despite a slow start to the game, Eilat showcased resilience, particularly in the second quarter where they turned the tide with an impressive 30-12 scoring run. The team’s shooting performance was exceptional throughout the match, finishing with a remarkable 57% from three-point range, landing 15 of their attempts.

Rishon Lezion’s Struggles

Maccabi Rishon Lezion will return home for a critical Game 4, desperate to extend the series to a fifth game. In this latest encounter, Rishon Lezion struggled to gain momentum, particularly from their foreign players, which proved detrimental in a playoff series where every point counts.

Key Player Performances

Eilat had five players scoring in double figures, led by Isaiah Isendorf, who finished the game with 20 points and successfully hit 5 of 8 three-point shots. Dustin Hanaas added 17 points, while Tomer Porat contributed 14. Golan Gut was pivotal as well, recording 13 points and 10 assists.

Following a strong start by Rishon Lezion, who led 11-0 at start point, Eilat slowly clawed back. By the end of the first quarter, they had narrowed the gap to 15-21, setting the stage for their comeback.

Game Highlights

The second quarter saw Eilat’s Golan Gut and Isendorf exchange three-pointers, leading to a 24-24 tie before Eilat surged ahead to finish the half at 45-33. The third quarter began with Rishon Lezion attempting to rally, but Eilat quickly responded to maintain their double-digit lead at 69-56.

The final quarter featured a quick start by Eilat, scoring 9 points in just over a minute, extending their lead to an impressive 78-56. Rishon Lezion managed to reduce the deficit slightly before the final whistle.

Individual Scores:

• Eilat: Isaiah Isendorf (20 points), Dustin Hanaas (17 points), Tomer Porat (14 points), Golan Gut (13 points), and others.
• Rishon Lezion: Josh Freund (21 points), Jordan Coblin (17 points), Maxim Romanov (14 points), and others.

With this victory, Eilat is on the brink of regaining their place in the top tier of Israeli basketball, a significant achievement worthy of celebration from their fan base.

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