Bnei Herzliya snatched a dramatic 96-94 victory over Hapoel Migdal Haemek in a Ligat HaAl thriller that went down to the wire at the Herzliya Sports Hall on the night of 21 May 2026. The home side rallied from a four-point deficit with less than two minutes to play, displaying the composure of a seasoned contender in a contest that kept the crowd on its feet until the final buzzer.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the arena with clear objectives: Herzliya looking to solidify a top‑three playoff spot, and Migdal Haemek fighting to escape the relegation zone. The game lived up to its billing, featuring 14 lead changes and eight ties. After a relatively even first half, the visitors seized control in the third quarter, stretching their advantage to nine points behind sharp shooting from beyond the arc. However, Herzliya’s trademark defensive intensity gradually chipped away at the margin, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Key Moments

• Third‑quarter surge: Hapoel Migdal Haemek outscored Herzliya 31–23 in the third period, with guard Yotam Ben‑David hitting three triples to push the visitors ahead 75–66.
• Herzliya fights back: The home team opened the fourth quarter with a 10‑2 run, capped by a driving lay‑up from veteran forward Jeff Allen, to level the score at 77–77 with 7:30 remaining.
• Clutch sequence: With 1:15 on the clock and Herzliya trailing 94–92, point guard Niv Avramov drove into the paint, drew a foul, and calmly sank both free throws to tie the game.
• Game‑winner: On the ensuing possession, Migdal Haemek turned the ball over, and Avramov found Allen cutting to the basket for a go‑ahead lay‑up with 12.4 seconds left, making it 96–94. A last‑second three‑point attempt by the visitors rimmed out, sealing Herzliya’s win.

Standout Players

Bnei Herzliya

Jeff Allen produced a formidable double‑double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, repeatedly attacking the glass in crucial moments. Niv Avramov finished with 18 points and 8 assists, his calm leadership in the closing minutes proving invaluable. Reserve guard Yogev Ohayon added 13 points off the bench, including two critical steals that sparked fast‑break opportunities.

Hapoel Migdal Haemek

Yotam Ben‑David led all scorers with 27 points, shooting 6‑of‑11 from three‑point range. Center Eli Biniamin contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while point guard Shlomo Daniel dished out 9 assists. Despite the loss, Migdal Haemek showed they can compete with the league’s top sides.

Impact on the Standings

The victory improved Bnei Herzliya’s record to 17–10, keeping them firmly in third place in the Ligat HaAl table, just one game behind second‑placed Hapoel Jerusalem. For Hapoel Migdal Haemek, the narrow defeat was a harsh blow: they dropped to 8–19, now two games adrift of safety with only five matches remaining. Their survival hopes are not extinguished, but consistency in close games remains an urgent need.

Looking Ahead

Bnei Herzliya will host Hapoel Be’er Sheva next Tuesday, aiming to build momentum heading into the playoff stretch. Hapoel Migdal Haemek must regroup quickly for a crucial home encounter against Maccabi Rishon LeZion, a match that could define their season. Given the hunger shown in this contest, expect another intense battle. The Ligat HaAl season continues to deliver drama on a nightly basis.