Ironi Ness Ziona upset Maccabi, despite Wilbekin's six three-pointers / News - Basketnews.com

Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered their third Winner League defeat this year (5-3) losing to hosts Ironi Ness Ziona (5-3) 73-87 (22-20, 17-26, 12-21, 22-20).

Maccabi Tel Aviv / Schedule

Real Madrid Maccabi Tel Aviv72-70 Maccabi Tel Aviv UNIKS KazanThu19:05

The Israeli champs' performance was generally problematic for the most part, a few days before they host UNICS Kazan for EuroLeague Round 14.The winners had Frank Bartley (21 points, 5 assists) on a big day, while Tim Soares (16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals) also contributed big-time.Maccabi's top scorer was Scottie Wilbekin with 19 points on 6/10 three-pointers, as Cameron Taylor added 12 and Jake Cohen 10.

Led by Scottie Wilbekin, Maccabi got off on the right foot, taking a five-point lead (13-8). Ness Ziona responded in the second quarter matching up with Maccabi's physical game.

Diante Garrett did a little bit of everything, scoring 6 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing 5 assists and adding 3 steals to a full stat line.

Golan Gutt and Tim Soares added some much-needed perimeter shooting and Ness Ziona soon took off. The hosts came off the back of an excellent second quarter (26-17) to take the lead at half-time (46-39) and sink their opponents into deep trouble.

Another disappointing quarter for Maccabi ended the game, as Ness Ziona took a 16-point lead and didn't worry too much.

Ironi Ness Ziona: Frank Bartley 21 (8/14 FG, 5 AST, 5 TO), Tim Soares 16 (5/8 FG, 5/5 FT, 4 REB, 3 ST), Diante Garrett 12 (5/18 FG, 7 REB, 7 AST, 5 ST), Golan Gutt 11 (6 REB), Lior Carreira 10 (6 REB).

Maccabi Tel Aviv: Scottie Wilbekin 19 (6/12 FG, 6/10 3-PT SHOTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 5 TO), Kameron Taylor 12 (5/7 FG, 4 REB), Jake Cohen 10 (7 REB), James Nunnally 9 (3/1`1 FG), Derrick Williams 7, Oz Blayzer 5 (1/7 FG, 8 REB).

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