Maccabi Tel Aviv kept their playoff hopes alive with a narrow victory over ASVEL, securing a crucial win in the Euroleague season.
Currently holding the 13th position, the Israeli team trails five teams tied for the 6th-10th spots by three games, while also having played one fewer game than those competitors. With six regular season games remaining for most teams, Maccabi has seven games left to play.
Adding to their potential for improvement, the Tel Aviv club is projected to have one of the easiest remaining schedules among all teams still vying for a playoff berth.
During the game in Villeurbanne, Maccabi’s Gur Lavi was called for an offensive foul with 19 seconds remaining, giving ASVEL an opportunity to close the gap, trailing 84-87 at the time.
ASVEL’s Edwin Jackson drove to the basket and drew a foul. He made the first free throw and intentionally missed the second, but ASVEL failed to secure the rebound. John DiBartolomeo then sealed the win with successful free throws with just 3 seconds left on the clock, defeating the tournament’s lowest-ranked team.
Maccabi demonstrated resilience, overcoming a 14-point deficit earlier in the game (38-52). This win is particularly significant as it highlights the competitive nature of the Euroleague and the importance of every game in the pursuit of a playoff spot.
ASVEL: Paulis Eboua 19 (7 rebounds), Glynn Watson 17, David Lighty 14.
Maccabi: Roman Sorkin 23, Jimmy Clark and Tamir Blatt (13 assists, 4/7 three-pointers) with 14 points each, John DiBartolomeo 13, Jaylen Hoard 8 (11 rebounds).
