JERUSALEM, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Euroleague club Maccabi Tel Aviv won the Israeli League Cup for the 11th time, after an 86-83 win over Champions League side Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan in the final game on Sunday night.
In front of 4,000 fans at the Toto Arena in the central city of Holon, Tel Aviv took a 25-16 lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks to points and rebounds by Roman Sorkin.
In the second quarter, Jaylen Hoard led Tel Aviv to increase the lead to 41-26 in the 16th minute, en route to 48-36 at halftime.
Points by Roi Huber, alongside rebounds and assists by Kendale Mccullum helped Ramat Gan perform an impressive comeback, taking a 62-61 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Points by Hoard, Levi Randolph and David Dejulius returned control to Tel Aviv, taking an 82-72 lead with 2:46 minutes to go, but three-pointers by Isaiah Miles and Adam Ariel cut the margin to 80-82, with 1:16 minutes to the final buzzer.
A crucial block by Hoard and two successful free throws by Randolph 12 seconds on the clock secured the title for Tel Aviv.
Randolph topped Maccabi scorers with 18 points, while Hoard added 17 points and 12 rebounds. Huber contributed 16 points and 8 assists for Ramat Gan.
The two teams will meet again in the upcoming round of the Israeli Super League, on Nov. 30 at Menorah Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv currently holds a 5-1 win-loss record in the league, while Ramat Gan is 4-1. ■
