Erez Edelstein’s men toughed out a victory over Holon to improve to 9-11 on the season.
By ALLON SINAIHapoel Tel Aviv's Matan Naor 370(photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Hapoel Tel Aviv eased its relegation worries on Monday night, beating Hapoel Holon 76-73 for its second straight BSL win after stunning Maccabi in the Tel Aviv derby last week.It would have been only natural for Hapoel to suffer a letdown after claiming its first derby win in nine years, but Erez Edelstein’s men toughed out a victory over Holon to improve to 9-11 on the season.A Bar Timor three-pointer capped a 14-2 run which gave Tel Aviv a nine-point margin (35- 26), but the visitors led by just five points (43-38) at the break.Holon trailed by only two points (73-71) entering the final minute, but it squandered its chances to complete the comeback and Tel Aviv held on for a significant win.Brian Randle was superb for the winners, scoring 17 points, taking 15 rebounds and passing five assists.Frank Hassell had 19 points and 13 boards for Holon, which dropped to 7-13 with its third defeat in four games.Also Monday, a Jamar Smith three-pointer with six seconds remaining gave Hapoel Gilboa/Galil a dramatic 93-92 win over Bnei Herzliya in Gan Ner.Rakim Sanders had 31 points for Gilboa, which improved to 8-12 with its third victory in four games, with Smith finishing with 20 points. Jumaine Jones had 22 points and 10 boards for Herzliya (8-12), which lost its third straight encounter.