Hapoel Jerusalem 100, Rigas Zelli 64 — Hapoel Jerusalem delivered a dominant offensive performance in EuroCup Basketball, routing Rigas Zelli 100-64 behind relentless defensive pressure and a balanced scoring effort. The Israeli side reached the century mark with ease, controlling the game from the opening tip and never allowing the visitors to find a foothold.

Match overview

Hapoel Jerusalem came out with energy and intent, pressing Rigas Zelli early and forcing a string of turnovers. The hosts raced to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, with transition baskets and open threes highlighting a fast-paced attack. By halftime, the lead had grown to 25 points, and the game was effectively decided.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Hapoel continued to share the ball and attack the rim, while Rigas Zelli struggled to cope with the defensive pressure. The hosts emptied their bench in the fourth quarter, but the intensity did not drop, and the final margin reached 36 points. It was a complete performance from a team with clear ambitions in the competition.

Key moments

• Early pressure: Hapoel’s full-court defense forced multiple turnovers in the first five minutes, sparking an early 12-2 run.
• Second-quarter explosion: The hosts closed the first half with a 17-4 burst, turning a comfortable lead into a rout.
• Bench energy: Even with rotations deep into the bench, Hapoel maintained its defensive intensity and continued to extend the lead in the fourth quarter.

Tactical story

Hapoel Jerusalem’s defensive approach was the story of the night. The hosts used full-court pressure and aggressive traps to disrupt Rigas Zelli’s half-court sets, forcing rushed passes and contested shots. The visitors turned the ball over repeatedly, and Hapoel converted those mistakes into easy transition points. When Rigas Zelli did break the pressure, Hapoel’s half-court defense rotated well and contested shots at the rim.

Offensively, Hapoel played with excellent pace and spacing. The guards pushed the ball in transition, while the big men ran the floor and finished around the basket. The hosts also shot well from beyond the arc, punishing Rigas Zelli for collapsing into the paint. It was a balanced attack: inside scoring, perimeter shooting, and unselfish ball movement.

Rigas Zelli, by contrast, never found an offensive rhythm. The Latvian side struggled against pressure, committed too many turnovers, and was forced into difficult shots late in the clock. Defensively, Rigas Zelli could not contain Hapoel’s dribble penetration, leading to frequent fouls and open looks from the perimeter.

Standout performers

Hapoel Jerusalem’s Yonatan Alon led the way with 18 points and eight assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and pushing the tempo at every opportunity. Forward Daniel Malka added 16 points and nine rebounds, dominating the paint and running the floor in transition. The Hapoel bench contributed significantly, with several reserves scoring in double figures and maintaining the defensive pressure.

For Rigas Zelli, there were few positives. Guard Roberts Kalnins finished with 13 points but struggled with turnovers against Hapoel’s pressure. The visitors’ big men were overwhelmed on the glass, and the team’s three-point shooting was well below the level needed to compete in a high-tempo EuroCup Basketball game.

Season impact and standings picture

The win is a major statement for Hapoel Jerusalem, boosting their point differential and reinforcing their status as a serious contender in the EuroCup Basketball standings. Reaching 100 points while holding an opponent to 64 is the kind of result that can build momentum and confidence across the roster.

Rigas Zelli will need to regroup quickly. The loss exposed vulnerabilities against pressure defense and in half-court shot creation. The Latvian side will need to take better care of the ball and find more consistent scoring options if they are to compete in a demanding group. For Hapoel, the challenge will be maintaining this level of intensity on the road.