ISR - Ashkelon celebrate League Cup win in Israel

JERUSALEM (League Cup) - Ashkelon captured the first title of the Israeli basketball season, and in club history by beating Maccabi Rishon Le Zion 79-73 in the League Cup final.

Rishon, one of the country’s representatives in the EuroCup, led 27-18 at the end of the first quarter but were unable to press home their advantage as Ashkelon battled back to hold a 44-39 advantage at half-time.

Inspired by Marcus Hatten, Ashkelon stretched the lead to 70-61 and stormed to the crown.

"This is the first trophy ever in the history of the club," said an elated Ashkelon coach Ronni Bosani.

"There are three titles in Israeli basketball and we won one of them."

Rishon coach Gilad Katz said: "Ashkelon had lots of momentum. They deserved to win the title. When you play for the trophy, there are no extenuating circumstances."

Or Eitan scored 17 for Ashkelon, Hatten 16 and Lior Rubinstein 12 while Rishon’s Brian Tolbert had a game-high 27.

In the third place game, Hapoel Jerusalem beat Givat Shmuel 93-89.

By Yarone Arbel, PA Sport
Exclusively for FIBA