BC Kyiv 66 Hapoel Tel Aviv 81

Tel Aviv made a giant step towards the next round of this year’s FIBA Europe League by winning its away game against BC Kyiv 66-81.

The game had big media interest as it was shown on the Ukrainian First National TV Channel as well as by one of the top Israel TV Channels.

Dspite having the support of 4000 spectators, Kyiv did not find a way to play good defense and allowed Hapoel to score almost with every opportunity.

Maybe the hosts were just too nervous at the beginning but in the second quarter they finally found their way into the game taking their first lead after 17 minutes. But Hapoel struck back and led by one at half-time (37-38).

In the second half the Israelis managed to increase their lead and by playing strong under the boards Hapoel was able to maintain its advantage until the final whistle. At the end the hosts won easily 66-81. They have now won 7 out of 11 games and are almost qualified for the next round, needing just one more win out of their three last games.

Quotes: BC Kyiv - Hapoel Tel Aviv

Gennadii Zashchuk, Head Coach, BC Kyiv:

"The opponent team were stronger in defense and its achievements. It was not the best game of our American legionnaires. We did not have a leader to run the game."

Virginijus Praskevicius, Hapoel Tela Aviv:

"We were better in defense. Our victory became a real surprise for the hole team, because BC Kyiv is rather a dangerous team."