Hapoel Jerusalem booked the final ticket to the finals after a 68-59 victory against Hapoel Holon in the Winner League semifinals. The latter played catch-up basketball almost the entire game after scoring 4 unanswered points to start the game.
Both teams played close during the first two quarters, with either teams established their largest lead at only four points. Travis Peterson and Tony Younger took charge for Jerusalem and Holon, respectively, as they exchange baskets just as the other start pulling away.
With Tarence Kinsey's misfiring on the first 20 minutes of play, the came out of the dug-out like a man possessed. The 33-year-old forward, who had stints with Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers, started wrecking havoc by scoring 15 of his team's 17 points in the third quarter and limiting Holon to 13.
Darion Atkins scored 18 points and grabbed 11 boards to lead Holon, who failed to recover after Kinsey's explosion. Shlomi Harush is the only other player scored in double figures for Holon, pouring 11 markers and 7 boards.
Jerusalem had a sigh of relief as Kinsey, who was ruled out as injured minutes prior to the game, showed up to play. In contrary, Holon's Khalif Wyatt was out with an injury but his team failed to fill the shoes that he left his team.
Curtis Jerrels followed Kinsey's offense as he added 14 points despite struggling from deep, missing all of his 4 attempts from the three point land. Amar'e Stoudemire took charge in the shaded lane, scoring 10 points and 7 boards with a couple of defensive stoppages.
Maccabi Tel Aviv clinched the first ticket to the finals after beating Maccabi Ashod following a 95-89 victory. Victor Rudd and DJ Seeley scored a combined 39 points to punch their way to the championship round.
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