Hapoel finishes the group stage with W
Hapoel concludes the group stage with an impressive 97-68 victory over Benfica Lisbon, led by a fantastic performance from Levi Randolph, who scored 32 points. Next up, on Sunday: a game against Hapoel Tel Aviv at the Drive-In Arena
Hapoel registers one of its highest-quality performances of the season so far, winning 97-68 against Benfica Lisbon in the latest round of the Champions League group stage. The victory was largely thanks to a record-breaking performance by Levi Randolph, who scored 32 points. The game itself didn't have practical significance since, following last week's win against P.A.O.K. Thessaloniki, the team had already secured a spot in the Top 16. However, Coach Dzikic's apprentices wanted to mark another win and triumph in the game. Now, Hapoel returns to the league and will play on the road against Hapoel Tel Aviv at the Drive-In Arena.
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The Hapoel family in Belgarde, Take 2
1st Quarter
Hapoel started with Speedy Smith, Or Cornelius, Levi Randolph, Oz Blayzer, and Zack Hankins. The game began at a very high pace, with both teams scoring three-pointers without a break. Benfica mainly sought control through offensive rebounds until Levi Randolphreminded everyone of his offensive skills with 7 points early in the first quarter. Speedy Smith managed the game and created opportunities for others, while Cornelius, in his defensive role, applied pressure on the Portuguese offense.
Hapoel completed a 9-0 run, taking the lead for the first time in the game with 3 minutes left in the quarter. The quarter continued with a very high scoring pace, with Chris Johnson making his usual positive impact. However, Benfica narrowed the gap with a half-court three-pointer, ending the quarter 25-24.
Hapoel started the second quarter well with a three-pointer by Kadeen Carrington, followed by two excellent assists from Speedy Smith to a light dunk by Zack Hankins and an outstanding three-pointer by Oz Blayzer. These plays led to Hapoel's record lead of 11 points, prompting a timeout from Benfica. After the timeout, Hapoel returned with two more three-pointers, with Speedy Smith delivering the assists once again, bringing his total to 7 assists without a single turnover.
Randolph continued to be the offensive anchor, scoring points at will and helping Hapoel extend the lead. The final play of the half belonged to Levi Randolph, who scored 18 points in the half, lifting Hapoel to a 52-33 lead at the end of a compelling 20 minutes of basketball.
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Speedy Smith, wants another assist
Benfica had a strong start to the third quarter, and it was Levi Randolph who, once again, halted the Portuguese momentum by scoring repeatedly with easy, diverse, and efficient drives to the basket. Benfica continued to close the gap, increasing its offensive pace until Brynton Lemar stepped in, scoring 8 points in 2 minutes and bringing Benfica to a timeout once again.
Hapoel took advantage of its depth, bringing in "fresh" players to stifle any comeback attempts by Benfica. The Jerusalem lead remained steady at 73-53 at the end of the quarter.
Khadeen Carrington opened the final quarter like a loaded cannon, and with strong defense led by Yovel Zoosman, Hapoel ensured to maintain a high and secure lead. Although Almeida and Benfica didn't give up quickly, executing quality and decisive offensive plays to narrow the gap as much as possible, Hapoel remained in control.
Benfica tried to make a late push, but Zoosman's defensive stops and Randolph's offensive contributions solidified the outcome of the game. The final score was 97-68 in favor of Hapoel.
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