In a thrilling Ligat HaAl contest that went down to the wire, Hapoel Jerusalem edged past Hapoel HaEmek with a narrow 77–75 victory on May 28, 2026. The match, which tipped off at 01:50 local time, saw Jerusalem escape with the win thanks to a clutch defensive stop in the final seconds.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded blows in a game defined by intensity and strong defensive schemes. Hapoel HaEmek, playing on home turf, came out aggressive and matched Jerusalem’s pace through the first half. The score remained close throughout, with neither side able to build a lead larger than six points. Jerusalem’s experience in tight situations ultimately proved decisive, as they managed to execute down the stretch while HaEmek struggled to convert in the final possessions.

Key Moments

• First half back-and-forth: HaEmek’s sharp outside shooting kept them within striking distance, while Jerusalem pounded the paint for high-percentage looks. The teams entered the locker room knotted at 38–38.
• Third quarter surge: Jerusalem opened the second half with a 9–2 run, forcing HaEmek to call a timeout. HaEmek responded with a 7–0 spurt of their own, erasing the deficit and setting up a tense final period.
• Clutch final minute: With the score tied at 75–75, Jerusalem’s guard drove into the lane and drew a foul, making one of two free throws with 12 seconds left. HaEmek’s last-second three-pointer rimmed out, sealing the 77–75 result.

Standout Players

For Hapoel Jerusalem, the backcourt duo of Yam Madar (game-high 22 points) and Khalifani Gantt (16 points, 6 assists) orchestrated the offense and made winning plays in crunch time. On the Hapoel HaEmek side, forward Aviram Zelekovits posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, keeping his team in the game until the final buzzer.

Impact on the Ligat HaAl Standings

The win boosted Hapoel Jerusalem’s record and cemented their position among the league’s top contenders, while Hapoel HaEmek missed a chance to climb the table in a tightly packed midseason race. For Jerusalem, victories of this nature on the road against competitive teams highlight their championship pedigree. HaEmek, though disappointed, showed they can go toe‑to‑toe with a powerhouse – a promising sign for the remainder of the Ligat HaAl season.