On Thursday: Maccabi wants to recover against Valencia
48 hours after the disappointing loss to Barcelona, the Yellows will try to bounce back against another in-form Spanish team. Nebo: "A win over a competitor for a top-8 spot can prove crucial"
01/02/2023
HOME·News Archive· On Thursday: Maccabi wants to recover against Valencia
It has been said and proved before, but the Euroleague season only gives you a little time to dwell on disappointments or celebrate victories. On Thursday (9:30 pm Israel time, 2:30 pm EST), only 48 hours after the painful loss to Barcelona in a game that felt within reach, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will clash with another Spanish opponent, wishing for a different outcome.
Again, it will take work. Valencia is in great shape and won its last 5 in the Euroleague. Beyond that, this is a game that may prove vital. Alex Mumbru's team is a direct competitor of Maccabi for a top 8 spot, with only one game separating the two in the table. Their last meeting occurred two months ago, and the Yellows triumphed 84:68 in Tel Aviv.
"We have already moved on from losing against Barcelona," Oded Kattash stressed. "The Euroleague schedule is demanding, and our focus is solely on the next game. Valencia is a strong team on a five-game winning streak. We must stick to our game plan and disrupt their flow, especially when they are playing at home."
"We have already forgotten about the game against Barcelona," Josh Nebo added. "Valencia has a strong front line, but they also have a well-rounded team with many players who can step up on any given day. A victory would mean a lot to us because Valencia is directly competing with us for a top-8 spot."
Maccabi fights past Valencia, wins narrowly on the road
The Yellows edged the Spaniards 94:93 thanks to stellar performances from Wade Baldwin, Bonzie Colson, and John DiBartolomeo. Next week: Red Star visits Tel-Aviv
03/02/2023
HOME·News Archive· Maccabi fights past Valencia, wins narrowly on the road
After surviving some nerve-racking moments tonight (Thursday) in Spain, Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv got an important Euroleague away win, 94:93 over Valencia, and earned a boost of energy in its battle for a top 8 spot. The victory over the Spaniards - direct competitors for a playoffs ticket - improved Maccabi's record to 12:11.
After the painful loss to Barcelona, against an in-form opponent who has won its last five, Oded Kattash's players fell behind in the first half and saw the hosts establishing a 10-point lead after 20 minutes. The crucial transformation came in the third quarter.
Maccabi ran 34:23 during this period, with many players contributing to the effort. Still, three worth personal mentions: Wade Baldwin, who led the way scoring 19, Bonzie Colson (17 and 12 rebounds), and John DiBartolomeo (5 of 6 for three).
The momentum gained by Maccabi was maintained during a late comeback attempt by Valencia, who leveled the score 40 seconds to the end of the game. It was in the next possession when a clutch basket by Baldwin put away the game.
The Yellows can now breathe a sigh of relief. Next week, they will finally return home to host Red Star Belgrade and will do so in front of 11,000 noisy fans.