Maccabi Ramat Gan Ends Gan Ner Drought With 86–77 Comeback Win

Maccabi Ramat Gan overturned a ten-point deficit to beat Hapoel HaEmek 86–77 at Haim Ohayon Hall in Gan Ner on October 31. Elad Hasin's team earned its second consecutive Winner League victory and improved to 3–1 after four rounds, while the hosts dropped to 1–3. Ramat Gan led 24–18 after the opening quarter, but a Cameron Henry three-pointer gave HaEmek a 42–41 halftime advantage. The home side extended its lead to 53–43 about three and a half minutes into the third quarter. Ramat Gan drew level at 58–58 before entering the final period two points behind, 60–58. Justin Lewis put the visitors ahead 71–70 with a dunk around midway through the fourth quarter. Ramat Gan's decisive 15–0 run included a stretch of more than five minutes in which HaEmek did not score. Lewis finished with 20 points, Jalen Adams contributed 16 points and six assists, and Joaquin Shuchman added 12 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Malik Hall led HaEmek with 16 points, followed by C.J. Elleby with 15. The win ended Ramat Gan's long wait for a league victory away against this opponent at Gan Ner. Its previous success there came on February 22, 2009, an 84–79 win over Gilboa Galil. Ramat Gan, which lost all four of its preseason Winner Cup games, next hosts Maccabi Rishon LeZion at Zisman Hall in a week's time. HaEmek visits Hapoel Jerusalem at Pais Arena in round five.