Hapoel Jerusalem Triumphs Over Neptunas Klaipeda in EuroCup Match

Hapoel Jerusalem continued its impressive form with a convincing 110-93 victory against Neptunas Klaipeda on Tuesday evening, marking their progress in the EuroCup following a strong week that included winning the Winner’s Cup. The team, coached by Jonathan Alon, managed to maintain momentum after defeating group leaders Hacettepe on the previous Wednesday.

Strong Start and Competitive First Half

The first half showcased a battle of three-point shooting, with Hapoel’s Yuval Zosman converting 3 of 3 attempts while Neptunas’ Mindaugas Girdziunas hit 4 of 5. The scoring was tight throughout, with neither team able to pull away significantly. The first half concluded with Neptunas holding a slight advantage at 56-54.

Third Quarter Push by Neptunas

Neptunas started the second half strong, achieving a maximum lead of 14 points during the third quarter fueled by an effective three-point shooting performance, netting a total of 12 three-pointers throughout the game. However, Hapoel’s Jared Harper and Cassius Winston found their rhythm towards the end of the quarter, helping to narrow the gap.

Hapoel’s Dominance in the Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Hapoel Jerusalem, as they opened with a 9-0 run. This momentum, combined with a 6-0 finish from the previous quarter, resulted in a 15-0 scoring run. Winston, who finished the game with an impressive 35 points, and Harper, who contributed 21 points and 8 assists, were pivotal in securing the team’s victory.

Key Performances

• Hapoel Jerusalem Scorers: Cassius Winston (35 points), Jared Harper (21 points, 8 assists), Anthony Lamb (17 points, 8 rebounds), Yuval Zosman (13 points), Ka’din Carrington (8 points), Roi Huber (3 points), and Giorgos Skafidas (2 points).

• Neptunas Scorers: Zain Waterman (18 points), Arnas Brucas and Girdziunas (17 points each), Dontas Tarolis (16 points), Rihard Lomažas (14 points), with additional contributions from other players.

Game Summary

The game began with Hapoel holding a minimal lead of 29-28 after the first quarter. Both teams demonstrated aggressive offense, trading leads frequently. However, as the match progressed, Hapoel regained control, leveraging their shooting skills and team cohesiveness to dominate the final quarter and secure a decisive win.

As the EuroCup competition continues, Hapoel Jerusalem looks to build upon this current streak, aiming for further success in upcoming games.