Hapoel Jerusalem made a statement in the Israeli Basketball League Cup on September 9, 2026, rolling past Maccabi Ashdod with a commanding 110-77 road victory. The result was never in serious doubt once the visitors found their rhythm, as Jerusalem’s depth, transition game, and outside shooting overwhelmed an Ashdod side that struggled to keep pace after the opening minutes.

Match Overview

The Israeli Basketball League Cup matchup between Maccabi Ashdod and Hapoel Jerusalem carried early-season significance, with both teams looking to build momentum in the competition. Jerusalem came into the contest as the higher-ranked side, and they justified that status with a complete performance in front of a competitive Ashdod crowd.

After a relatively even start, Hapoel Jerusalem began to assert control late in the first quarter. Their defensive pressure forced turnovers in the backcourt, leading to easy baskets in transition. By halftime, the visitors had established a double-digit cushion and continued to extend their lead in the third quarter, putting the game beyond Ashdod’s reach.

Key Moments

• Fast start by Ashdod: The home team came out energetic, trading baskets with Jerusalem in the opening five minutes and briefly suggesting a closer contest.
• Jerusalem’s decisive second quarter: A 12-2 run near the end of the half broke the game open, with sharp ball movement and aggressive drives to the rim.
• Third-quarter blowout: Hapoel Jerusalem outscored Maccabi Ashdod by a wide margin in the third period, stretching the lead past 30 points and effectively sealing the win early.
• Bench production: Jerusalem’s reserves contributed valuable minutes, maintaining intensity and keeping the scoreboard pressure on deep into the fourth quarter.

Standout Performances

Hapoel Jerusalem’s balanced offensive attack was the story of the night. Multiple players reached double figures, and the team’s unselfish play created open looks from beyond the arc and at the rim. On the defensive end, Jerusalem was active in passing lanes and contested shots efficiently, limiting Ashdod’s ability to generate consistent offense.

Maccabi Ashdod showed flashes of talent, particularly in the first half, but their effort was undermined by costly turnovers and poor shooting stretches. The home team will need to shore up its transition defense and find more consistent offensive production if it hopes to compete later in the League Cup.

What the Result Means

For Hapoel Jerusalem, the 110-77 win is a strong early-season signal. It demonstrates the team’s ability to impose its will against domestic opposition and provides valuable confidence heading into the tournament’s later stages. For Maccabi Ashdod, the defeat serves as a learning experience, highlighting the gap between themselves and the competition’s elite while offering clear areas for improvement.

The lopsided scoreline also speaks to Jerusalem’s ambition this season. With a deep roster and a disciplined system, they look like one of the teams to beat in the Israeli Basketball League Cup.