Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv secured home-court advantage throughout the Israeli league playoffs on Wednesday, by beating Hapoel Tel Aviv 88-82 in the Derby. Oded Kattash's men used a stellar second half to close a 10-point gap and earn a victory that ensures a first-place finish to the regular season.

After struggling in the first half, especially in terms of shooting (at one point, the team was 3-of-19 from deep), things looked different after the break. Down 31-40 at halftime, the yellows came out aggressive and determined in the second half - and the shooting caught up. A Lorenzo Brown triple and Rafi Menco free throws completed the comeback at 53-51 midway through the third quarter.

Brown was excellent with 19 points, while Roman Sorkin earned MVP honors with 18 points and 3 blocks. Josh Nebo (13 points), Jasiel Rivero (11) and Tamir Blatt (9 assists) were essential to the win as well.