In a thrilling Ligat HaAl encounter on May 8, 2026, Maccabi Raanana suffered a narrow 91-86 home defeat against Galil Elyon. The match saw the visitors stage a late fourth-quarter surge to snatch victory in a contest that ebbed and flowed from the opening tip.

Match Overview

Galil Elyon arrived at Maccabi Raanana's home court with a reputation for fast-paced play, but it was the hosts who drew first blood with a sharp offensive start. Raanana’s perimeter shooting kept them ahead throughout the first half, building a lead that peaked at 48-42 by the break. However, Galil Elyon responded with a more disciplined defensive approach in the second half, gradually chipping away at the deficit.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter turnaround: Galil Elyon outscored Raanana 27-20 in the third period, flipping the scoreboard and setting the stage for a tense final frame.
• Late free-throw clinic: With under two minutes left and the score tied at 84-84, Galil Elyon calmly sank seven of eight free throws to seal the win, while Raanana missed critical attempts from the stripe.

Standout Performers

For Galil Elyon, guard Yonatan Levi led all scorers with 26 points, including two clutch three-pointers in the closing stretch. Forward Ariel Cohen added a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the visitors' second-half defensive effort. On Raanana’s side, American import Chris Johnson poured in 24 points and dished 7 assists, but his efforts were undermined by his team’s foul trouble and turnover issues.

Season Impact

The win boosted Galil Elyon’s playoff positioning in the Ligat HaAl standings, moving them into the top four, while Raanana slipped to seventh. Both teams have shown they can compete at a high level, but Galil Elyon's comeback resilience could prove decisive as the postseason approaches.