Safed endured a hard‑fought battle but ultimately fell short against Maccabi Kiryat Gat, losing 98–90 in a thrilling Israel Basketball League contest on 8 May 2026. The matchup, played at Safed’s home venue, saw both teams trading leads throughout the second half before the visitors pulled away in the final minutes.

Match Overview

The game began with both sides feeling each other out. Safed started strong, taking a 25–22 lead after the first quarter behind sharp shooting from their guards. Maccabi Kiryat Gat responded in the second period, using their size advantage inside to crash the offensive glass and score second‑chance points. The teams went into halftime tied at 48–48, setting up a tense second half.

The third quarter was a back‑and‑forth affair. Safed’s perimeter players connected on several three‑pointers to keep pace, but Kiryat Gat’s experienced frontline continued to score efficiently in the paint. With 5 minutes to play, the game was deadlocked at 82–82. However, Kiryat Gat then unleashed a decisive 10‑2 run, capitalising on a pair of Safed turnovers and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the 98‑90 victory.

Key Performances

• Safed: The home team was led by a 28‑point performance from their star guard, who also dished out 7 assists. A forward added 20 points and 10 rebounds for a double‑double.
• Maccabi Kiryat Gat: The visitors relied on a balanced attack. Four players scored in double figures, with their centre posting 24 points and 14 rebounds, dominating the interior.

Tactical & Statistical Breakdown

Maccabi Kiryat Gat’s victory was built on rebounding superiority (42‑32 overall) and points in the paint (48‑34). They also shot 85% from the free‑throw line (22‑of‑26), while Safed managed just 68% (15‑of‑22) from the stripe—a critical difference in a close game. Turnovers were nearly even, but Kiryat Gat converted their opportunities more efficiently. From beyond the arc, Safed hit 12 three‑pointers to Kiryat Gat’s 8, but that advantage was neutralised by the visitors’ inside dominance.

Game Impact & Context

The win moved Maccabi Kiryat Gat up the Israel Basketball League standings, reinforcing their playoff aspirations. For Safed, the loss was a missed opportunity to climb the ladder. They will look to tighten their defence in the paint and improve free‑throw consistency as the season progresses.

Both teams showcased competitive spirit and skill. Despite the defeat, Safed proved they can go toe‑to‑toe with a strong opponent, while Maccabi Kiryat Gat demonstrated the composure and execution required to close out tight games on the road.