Maccabi Tel Aviv Edges Hapoel in Stunning State Cup Comeback Victory
Maccabi Tel Aviv staged a historic comeback against Hapoel Tel Aviv to claim their 12th state cup title after overcoming a 23-point deficit in the second half.
Hapoel Tel Aviv squandered a commanding 23-point lead in the third quarter, allowing Maccabi Tel Aviv to orchestrate a stunning comeback and secure their 12th state cup title. With the score standing at 59:36 in favor of Hapoel during the third period, the Reds appeared poised to claim their first domestic cup in 33 years against their fierce crosstown rivals. However, Dimitris Itoudis's squad unraveled completely down the stretch, undone by defensive lapses and relentless pressure.
Following the collapse, Hapoel head coach Dimitris Itoudis did not hide his disappointment during the post-match press conference.
"We threw our hands up," admitted Itoudis. "They pressured us despite us having three ball-handlers. We gave up 31 points off turnovers, lost the ball over and over again, and they slowly climbed back. We couldn't handle their aggressiveness and blew our opportunity. Congratulations to Maccabi on the comeback."
Turning the Page for EuroLeague Action
When questioned whether the historic defeat stemmed from psychological factors tied to the club's past, Itoudis dismissed the notion to focus squarely on the present squad.
"I don't know what happened in the past; I address the present. We are in great momentum and building something wonderful. We didn't defend properly and handed them the confidence to return. They made us feel uncomfortable."
Looking ahead, the two Tel Aviv powerhouses are scheduled to lock horns once again on Thursday in EuroLeague competition. Addressing recent reports regarding a potential permanent EuroLeague license, Itoudis emphasized the club's administrative growth under owner Ofer Yanai, noting that management is making tremendous efforts and that European organizers recognize Hapoel's financial stability and competitive roster.
