The fourth week in the Israeli Basketball Super League featured an interesting battle.

The two Israeli representatives in the EuroCup went head-to-head in Nahariya, but at the end of the fourth quarter there was only one team on the floor - the local one.

In a one-sided game, Ironi Iscar Nahariya ran out 114-70 winners over Maccabi Rishon Le Zion, proving that one week before their trip to face Maccabi at Nokia Arena, Nahariya means business.

After beating Afula/Gilboa by 26 points and Ramat Gan by 20, some people thought Rishon would give the hosts more of a battle. They were wrong.

Nahariya's John Gilchrist burst out of the blocks, starting the game with six points in a row to help the hosts build a first-quarter lead of 26-16.

Rishon fought back at the start of the second quarter, but then came a 12-0 run for the hosts that sent the teams into half-time at 52-35.

"I'm very happy for our performance tonight," said the winning coach Ariel Beit HaLakhmi.

"We had some issues in the opening minutes (of all our matches) so far, and I'm happy we solved that."

Juan Mendez put on a good show for the winners, especially in the first half, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

"It was a very important game against a very good team," said guard Raviv Limonad.

In each of the first three games of the season Limonad passed seven assists, and against Rishon he continued his good form with six assists, eight rebounds and 13 points.

"I hope that's a first step toward our key game on Wednesday against Dijon in the EuroCup," he added.

Ido Kozikaro added 20 points, Gilchrist had 18, while Jeff Greer and Barak Peleg scored 10 each.

Reggie Moore was the only player in double digits on the losing side, pouring in 22 points.

"If you don't know how to lose, you wouldn't know how to win," said Rishon's Gilad Katz.

"When we won we didn't celebrate, and when we lose we won't lose our heads."

Coach Beit HaLakhmi is now set on Nahariya's next target - the upcoming EuroCup game against Dijon.

"We must think first about winning the game, and not about the margin," he said, knowing Nahariya must make amends for the 17 point loss in France.

In other action, Ramat Gan enjoyed their first win of the season over Galil Elyon with a 116-114 win in overtime, while Ashkelon claimed a 79-80 road victory at Afula/Gilboa thanks to a three-pointer on the buzzer by Or Eitan.

Finally, Bnei HaSharon racked up another impressive win by beating Hapoel 96-88.