Kaplan’s team was able to come away with the pivotal victory with a gutsy performance by MVP Iftach Ziv.
Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, who already advanced, will face off in the other best-of-three semifinal series.
“The first thing that I think about when it comes to these things is how grateful I am,” Jake Cohen said.
Bnei Herzliya fended off elimination with a home win over Holon to force Game 4, while Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem advanced to the semifinals with 3-0 series sweeps.
The draw included football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, and futsal, in addition to other group ball sports such as ice hockey, rugby, and baseball.
Maccabi Ashdod defeated Hapoel Rishon Lezion 76-60 in the fifth and decisive game of the series.
President Herzog began the proceedings as he welcomed the club home.
On paper, Israel should be able to get through the group. However, each team that it will face poses its own challenges.
At just 19, Saraf has shown immense promise during his standout season with Ulm in the German Bundesliga, drawing attention from several NBA teams.
Projected first-round pick Ben Saraf of Israel announced Friday he is entering the 2025 NBA Draft.
JPOST Digital Library
