Hapoel Tel Aviv Beats Ashdod 81-67 as Itoudis Slams First-Half Slump
Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Ashdod 81-67 in their return to the Drive In Arena, though head coach Dimitris Itoudis fiercely criticized his team's lackluster first-half performance.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured an 81-67 victory over Ashdod on Sunday night, returning to the Drive In Arena for the first time in nearly two years. Despite the win, head coach Dimitris Itoudis expressed sharp criticism of his team's sluggish first-half performance and attitude.
Itoudis Slams First-Half Slump
Itoudis did not hold back in his post-match assessment, stating that wearing the Hapoel Tel Aviv jersey requires maximum effort at all times. "We had to change our attitude," Itoudis said. "We arrived sloppy tonight and we will not accept this. We cannot wear this shirt and look like this, playing without effort."
"We had to change our attitude. We arrived sloppy tonight and we will not accept this. We cannot wear this shirt and look like this, playing without effort."
Ginat Makes Emotional Return
On a positive note, Tomer Ginat returned to the floor after a four-month absence, delivering an impressive performance that earned praise from his coach. "What Tomer did tonight is remarkable. He respects what he does," Itoudis noted.
-
Tomer Ginat returned after four months out.
-
Dimitris Itoudis criticized the first-half intensity.
-
Hapoel Tel Aviv improved in the third quarter to seal the win.
Ginat himself shared his emotions after the final buzzer: "It was exciting. It is fun to return to playing basketball. This is an important victory. The season is complex, but the most important thing is that the team wins."
