Hapoel Jerusalem earned a hard-fought 84-73 victory over Aris Thessaloniki B.C. in EuroCup Basketball action on November 5, 2026, using a decisive second-half surge to turn a tense contest into a comfortable home win. The Israeli side trailed for stretches of the opening half but found another gear after the break, combining improved perimeter shooting with a renewed commitment on the defensive glass.

Match Overview

The first quarter was a cagey affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a meaningful cushion. Aris looked comfortable in the half-court, patiently probing for mismatches and knocking down mid-range jumpers. Hapoel stayed within striking distance thanks to second-chance points and a handful of transition opportunities. By halftime, the margin remained in single digits, setting up a pivotal third quarter.

Key Moments

The game turned early in the third period when Hapoel unleashed a 12-2 run over a three-minute span. The burst was fueled by back-to-back steals that led to easy layups, forcing Aris into a timeout. From there, the hosts never relinquished control. A late fourth-quarter three-pointer stretched the lead to 15 and effectively sealed the result, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Tactical Story

Hapoel’s coaching staff emphasized ball movement and interior scoring, and the approach paid dividends. The hosts dominated points in the paint and capitalized on Aris’s turnovers, converting 18 giveaways into 22 points. Defensively, Hapoel clamped down on the perimeter in the second half, limiting Aris to just 31 points after the interval. The Greek side struggled to find rhythm against a switching defense that contested every shot.

Standout Performers

• Hapoel’s frontcourt: Controlled the boards on both ends, finishing with a double-digit rebound advantage and providing a steady inside presence.
• The home backcourt: Dictated tempo and delivered timely assists, particularly during the decisive third-quarter run.
• Aris’s veteran guard: Kept his team competitive in the first half with crafty shot-making but was hounded into a tough shooting night after the break.

Standings Impact

The win strengthens Hapoel Jerusalem’s position in the EuroCup Basketball standings and adds valuable momentum to their home record. For Aris, the loss highlights the importance of protecting the ball and executing late-game sets on the road. Both teams will look to adjust quickly as the group phase continues.