Maccabi Heat Haifa 86 – 75 Hapoel Migdal Haemek
Israel Basketball League – 19 May 2026

Match Overview

Maccabi Heat Haida powered to a convincing 86–75 victory over Hapoel Migdal Haemek in an Israeli Basketball League clash that showcased the home side’s depth and defensive tenacity. The win keeps Haifa firmly in the playoff hunt, while the visitors saw their slim postseason hopes take a hit despite a spirited second-half rally.

First Half Control

Haifa came out with purpose, establishing a 23–16 lead after the opening quarter behind sharp shooting from beyond the arc. The backcourt duo of Yonatan Elbaz and Adam Levy dictated the tempo, combining for 14 first‑half assists. By halftime, the margin had stretched to 45–33, with Hapoel struggling to contain Haifa’s pick‑and‑roll game.

Second Half Fightback Stalls

Hapoel Migdal Haemek refused to fade. Led by veteran forward Idan Zahavi, who finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, the visitors cut the deficit to single digits midway through the third quarter. A 10‑2 run made it 62–55 with one period to play, but Haifa responded emphatically. A 9‑0 burst early in the fourth, capped by a Levy steal and fast‑break dunk, restored a comfortable cushion that Hapoel could not overcome.

Key Performances

• Yonatan Elbaz (Haifa): 18 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds – a masterful floor game.
• Adam Levy (Haifa): 16 points, 7 assists, 3 steals – his energy on both ends proved decisive.
• Idan Zahavi (Hapoel): 22 points, 8 rebounds – a lone bright spot in a tough loss.
• Hapoel bench: Outscored 28–14, a critical factor in the final margin.

Table Impact

The victory improves Maccabi Heat Haifa’s record to 14–12, strengthening their grip on a top‑six spot. Hapoel Migdal Haemek falls to 9–17 and now sits four games out of the final playoff position with only seven regular‑season games left.