The Israel Basketball League saw a compelling contest on the night of May 12, 2026, as Elitzur Yavne secured a vital 93-86 home victory over a determined Safed side at the Yavne Sports Hall. The win not only delighted the home crowd but also provided a significant boost to Yavne's push for a higher playoff seeding as the regular season enters its decisive final stretch.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams displayed high intensity. Safed came out aggressively, exploiting mismatches in the paint to take an early lead. However, Elitzur Yavne, known for their disciplined half-court offense, gradually found their rhythm. By halftime, the hosts had turned a six-point deficit into a slender 46-44 advantage. The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with neither side able to establish a double-digit lead until the final quarter. A critical 9-0 run midway through the fourth period proved decisive, giving Yavne enough breathing room to hold off a late Safed rally.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Yavne's guard Yotam Cohen scored 10 of his game-high 27 points in the third quarter, including two three-pointers that ignited the home crowd.
• Defensive stand: With 4:30 remaining and the score tied at 78, Yavne forced three consecutive turnovers, converting them into fast-break points.
• Free-throw clinchers: In the final minute, Yavne's center Eliyahu Shapira calmly sank 4 of 4 free throws to seal the game at 93-86.

Standout Players

For Elitzur Yavne, Yotam Cohen was the clear star. The 6'2" guard shot 10-of-17 from the field, added 5 assists, and played pesky on-ball defense. Eliyahu Shapira contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, controlling the glass on both ends. Off the bench, Noam Ben-David chipped in 11 points, including a pair of clutch triples.

On the Safed side, forward David Levi led the way with 24 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing his versatility in the post and from mid-range. Guard Ori Mizrahi added 18 points and 7 assists, but his team struggled with turnovers in crunch time.

Tactical Story

Yavne's game plan revolved around controlling the tempo and exploiting mismatches. They deliberately slowed the pace after Safed's early flurry, forcing the visitors into half-court sets. Defensively, they switched screens aggressively, limiting Safed's pick-and-roll opportunities. On offense, they pounded the ball inside to Shapira, drawing fouls and collapsing the defense, which created open perimeter looks for Cohen and Ben-David. Safed, meanwhile, relied heavily on isolation plays, which proved less effective as the game wore on.

Season and Playoff Implications

With the win, Elitzur Yavne improves to 16-11 on the season, strengthening their hold on a top-five spot in the Israel Basketball League standings. Safed falls to 11-16, dropping perilously close to the relegation zone. For Yavne, maintaining home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs now looks increasingly attainable. For Safed, every remaining game carries enormous weight as they fight to avoid a demotion playoff.

Both teams will return to action within the week: Yavne travels to face Maccabi Ashdod, while Safed hosts Hapoel Jerusalem in a must-win clash.