Elitzur Shomron edged Maccabi Rehovot 88-86 in a tightly contested Israel Basketball League game on Friday, October 23, 2026. The visitors survived a tense final possession and left with a two-point win after trading leads throughout the second half.

Match overview

Maccabi Rehovot started well at home, using aggressive drives and offensive rebounding to build an early advantage. Elitzur Shomron stayed patient, moved the ball efficiently against the Rehovot zone, and gradually worked its way back into the game. The first half was defined by runs: Rehovot’s inside scoring was answered by Shomron’s three-point shooting, and neither team led by more than six points.

The fourth quarter turned into a possession-by-possession battle. Rehovot had chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute, but Shomron’s defense forced contested shots and the visitors made just enough free throws to hold on. The 88-86 final score underlined how little separated the teams across 40 minutes.

Key moments

• Shomron hit two three-pointers in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter to erase a narrow Rehovot lead.
• Rehovot’s final possession ended with a missed jumper under pressure as the clock expired.
• Shomron converted six of its last eight free-throw attempts to protect the advantage.

Tactical story

Maccabi Rehovot’s game plan centered on attacking the basket and crashing the offensive glass. That approach worked for long stretches, especially in the first half, but it also left the home side vulnerable to Shomron’s transition attack. Shomron used quick outlet passes and early three-point looks to keep the Rehovot defense off balance.

In the closing minutes, Shomron tightened its half-court defense and forced Rehovot into difficult mid-range attempts. Rehovot’s rebounding advantage kept the game close, but the home team’s turnovers in key moments allowed Shomron to maintain a slim cushion. The visitors’ composure at the free-throw line ultimately made the difference in a game that could have gone either way.

Standout performers

Yonatan Cohen led Maccabi Rehovot with 22 points and seven rebounds, consistently finding ways to score around the rim. Eitan Mizrahi added 15 points and five assists, while the Rehovot bench contributed timely baskets in the second quarter. For Elitzur Shomron, Omer Ben David scored 25 points, including four three-pointers, and handed out five assists. Noam Peretz added 16 points and eight rebounds, giving Shomron a strong inside-outside balance.

Season impact

The result is a valuable road win for Elitzur Shomron in the Israel Basketball League standings and a narrow missed opportunity for Maccabi Rehovot. Rehovot showed enough offensive quality to compete, but late-game execution remains the difference between winning and losing in such a balanced league. Shomron, meanwhile, will take confidence from closing out a tight game away from home.