Maccabi survive Guy Pnini's last-second lay-up, down Hapoel Holon / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Winner League Credit Winner League

Maccabi Tel Aviv (9-6) downed Hapoel Holon (8-6) 80-79 (21-27, 25-22, 22-20, 12-10) and stayed afloat in the Israeli Winner League.

Maccabi Tel Aviv / Schedule

Maccabi Tel Aviv ALBA Berlin87-78 Maccabi Tel Aviv Fenerbahce IstanbulThu19:15 Zalgiris Kaunas Maccabi Tel AvivTue18:00 FC Bayern Munich Maccabi Tel AvivThu19:30

The contest was decided in the last minutes.

Derrick Williams knocked down a couple of free throws to put Maccabi up 78-77 with two minutes left. When Steve Zack responded, Scottie Wilbekin sank another couple (80-79).

Yiftach Ziv had the chance to close the game for Maccabi, but his three-point shot missed the target. In the ensuing play, former Maccabi forward Guy Pnini's tried the game-winning lay-up, to no avail. Although nine seconds were still left, Holon didn't foul and Maccabi were able to get away with a big win.

Keenan Evans paved the way for the Israeli champs with 21 points on 7/10 from the field, while Scottie Wilbekin added 15. Chris Johnson was Holon's first scorer with 19 points on 7/11 shooting, with Adam Smith chipping in with another 14.

Just a few hours prior to tip-off, the hosts replaced Ante Zizic with Derrick Williams after the Croatian center did not feel well. Scottie Wilbekin, Keenan Evans, Jalen Reynolds and Angelo Caloiaro were the other 4 imports registered.Maccabi were coached by 31-year-old Noam Levy. Head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos, as well as his assistants Vassilis Geragotelis and Doron Perkins have tested positive for COVID.

Maccabi Tel Aviv: Keenan Evans 21 (7/10 FG, 4/4 FT, 3 AST, 4 TO, 4 ST), Scottie Wilbekin 15 (4/8 FG, 5/5 FT, 2 AST, 3 TO), Jalen Reynolds 13 (5/8 FG, 3/4 FT, 5 REB), Derrick Williams 11 (2/8 FG, 6/8 FT, 4 REB), Yiftachj Ziv 8.

Hapoel Holon: Chris Johnson 19 (7/11 FG, 2/2 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST), Adam Smith 14 (7/14 FG), Rafi Menco 12 (5/8 FG, 1/1 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST), Michale Kyser 10 (5/7 FG, 14 REB).

Full game highlights:

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