Early predictions hinted it being the most exciting game of the Israeli-League season thus far. However, Maccabi Tel Aviv demolished Hapoel Jerusalem 93-71 to claim the regular-season crown and number one seed with two-rounds remaining before the playoffs tip-off.

On the sidelines Maccabi head coach David Blatt was brilliant versus American-native rival Brad Greenberg, leaving Jerusalem completely helpless throughout, en route to ending Hapoel's 13-game winning-streak.


Tel Aviv spurred ahead from the gate commanding a quick 19-4 advantage after a Devin Smith triple from the right wing during the first quarter, and a 27-10 cushion behind a two-handed flush by Sylven Landesberg. Greek center Sofoklis Schortsanitis recorded another strong performance for the winning side shooting a perfect seven-for-seven from the field.

Jerusalem, a top-seeded EuroCup team to have qualified for the tournament's quarter-finals, proved of being no match for even half of Maccabi's team. Coming into yesterday's game Hapoel were in near-perfect form featuring two of the most talented domestic players in Lior Eliyahu and Yotam Halperin, alongside Euroleague-level interim guard Bracey Wright (Agency: Priority Sports) and forward Josh Duncan.

Still, without Shawn James (back), Joe Ingles (DNP-CD), and minus Yogev Ohayon (eye) and Alex Tyus (ankle), Maccabi crossed the 90-point mark with ease as Smith, who recently took five shots to have his knee drained, connected on his first seven field goals attempts, including a perfect five-for-five from beyond the arc to lead all-scorers with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Landesberg, in his second season with the yellow-and-blue, has secured his position is Blatt's rotation contributing a solid all-around effort with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.