Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv continued its impressive debut EuroLeague campaign with a 109–97 victory over Dubai Basketball, overcoming a huge performance from Dwayne Bacon to improve to 7–2.
The Israeli club set a new team scoring record and relied on a dominant third quarter to turn the game around after trailing 48–47 at halftime. The visitors outscored Dubai 35–19 in that period, displaying the balance and execution that have characterized their strong start to the season.
Elijah Bryant led Hapoel with 25 points and seven rebounds, posting a career-best performance index rating of 36. Vasilije Micic followed with 19 points, while Antonio Blakeney and Jonathan Motley added 15 each. Dan Oturu chipped in 12 as Hapoel shot 47.8% from deep and controlled the boards with 40 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Bacon put on a show for Dubai, scoring 36 points on 52.6% shooting from two-point range and converting 13 of 14 from the free-throw line. His effort, however, wasn’t enough to halt the hosts’ four-game skid, which dropped them to 3–6.
Hapoel’s efficiency stood out as five players finished in double figures. The team’s fluid offense and defensive energy in the third quarter shifted the momentum decisively.
The matchup, played behind closed doors at Sarajevo’s ZETRA Hall, lacked the usual EuroLeague atmosphere, but Hapoel maintained focus.
Dubai hosts Crvena Zvezda next Tuesday, while Hapoel will look to extend its strong start when it welcomes Baskonia in Round 10.
