Ironi Kiryat Ata Beats Hapoel HaEmek 99-98 in Dramatic Winner Cup Overtime Thriller
Ironi Kiryat Ata pulled off a stunning 99-98 overtime comeback win against Hapoel HaEmek to reach the Winner Cup quarterfinals, overcoming a double-digit deficit.
Ironi Kiryat Ata completed a massive comeback on Wednesday evening, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Winner Cup after a dramatic 99-98 overtime away victory against Hapoel HaEmek. Eldad Bentov's squad, which did not lead even once during the first 40 minutes, will face Maccabi Tel Aviv on Sunday in Hadera.
Hapoel HaEmek started brilliantly, jumping to an 18-30 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 18 points at 20-38. Kiryat Ata refused to break, narrowing the gap before halftime as Daniel Sharon hit a three-pointer to make it 40-31, and Tomer Assayag kept the momentum going to bring it to a 44-43 halftime score.
The Battle Intensifies
HaEmek responded immediately after the break with a 10-0 run to lead 43-54, as JJ Kaplan, CJ Elleby, and Niv Misgav opened a gap once more. Kiryat Ata fought back again, entering the final quarter trailing by just 64-68. In the fourth quarter, HaEmek built another double-digit lead at 73-84, but Kiryat Ata orchestrated their third double-digit comeback of the night, capped by Holland Woods' clutch three-pointer to tie it 84-84 and force overtime.
"We showed incredible character and never stopped believing in ourselves until the final buzzer," said head coach Eldad Bentov following the dramatic win.
Overtime Thriller
Having never led in regulation, Kiryat Ata claimed their first lead at the start of overtime at 86-84. Despite HaEmek reclaiming the advantage and leading 98-94 with 23 seconds left, Assayag drained a three, Roi Netzia turned the ball over, and Woods hit two free throws to complete a 98-99 turnaround with nine seconds remaining. Misgav missed a last-second shot, sealing Kiryat Ata's incredible victory.
Daniel Sharon led Kiryat Ata with 22 points and nine rebounds, Holland Woods added 21 points and seven assists, Tomer Assayag scored 20, and Oz Chuli chipped in 13. For Hapoel HaEmek, Niv Misgav finished with 20 points and eight assists, Malik Hall added 19 points and nine rebounds, CJ Elleby contributed 18, and Christian Mekowulu scored 15.
