Rishon Le Zion Maccabi Stuns Hapoel Holon in Ligat HaAl Upset

Rishon Le Zion Maccabi pulled off a major upset in the Ligat HaAl on May 3, 2026, defeating Hapoel Holon 68-62 on the road. The visitors used a stifling defensive performance and clutch scoring down the stretch to hand Holon a rare home defeat.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, it was clear that Rishon Le Zion had a game plan to slow down Hapoel Holon's high-powered offense. The visitors packed the paint and forced tough perimeter shots, holding Holon to just 39% shooting from the field. The game was a defensive grind, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. In the fourth quarter, Rishon Le Zion's experience showed, as they executed perfectly in the half-court and made key stops to seal the victory.

Key Moments

• Defensive Stand: Rishon Le Zion held Holon scoreless for a stretch of 3:30 in the fourth quarter, turning a one-point deficit into a five-point lead.
• Clutch Shooting: The visitors' guard hit a step-back three-pointer with 1:20 remaining to push the lead to six and effectively ice the game.
• Rebounding Edge: Rishon Le Zion outrebounded Holon 42-34, limiting second-chance opportunities.

Standout Players

• Rishon Le Zion Maccabi: The center dominated the paint with 14 points and 16 rebounds, a towering presence on both ends. The point guard added 10 assists and 4 steals, orchestrating the defense.
• Hapoel Holon: Their star guard struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting, well below his season average.

Season Impact

The upset win breathes new life into Rishon Le Zion Maccabi's season, boosting their hopes of climbing the Ligat HaAl standings. For Hapoel Holon, the loss is a wake-up call, exposing offensive vulnerabilities that opponents may now look to exploit. The result tightens the race at the top of the table, making every game even more critical as the season progresses.