The JDA players were able to count on the David Holston / Gavin Ware duo to get a precious victory on the floor of Hapoel Jerusalem in an overexcited atmosphere.
The first quarter is balanced between two player teams being driven by the desire to score quickly. Dijonnais and Hierosolomytains therefore went blow for blow in this first quarter by alternating quick baskets on transition and big long-distance shots. The Burgundian attack is carried in these first 10 minutes by the connection Ware (24pts 7reb 1pas) / Holston (20pts 4reb 13reb). Markovic’s men are particularly skilful at the start of the match with an address above 65%.
The second quarter is a carbon copy of the first. The two teams take turns chaining runs allowing them to put pressure on their opponent. The Israelis, carried by a boosted atmosphere, therefore manage to regain control of this meeting.
However, the Jeanne players did not give up and returned to the game in the wake of a monstrous Gavin Ware. This first half is therefore pleasant with a relatively interesting level of play displayed. Illustration two minutes from the break where Cornelius (Hapoël player) manages to return a 10m shot which will be returned on the next possession by David Holston in the same way. Results of the races it is the visitors who emerge victorious from this first act following the basket at the buzzer of the Swiss hillside Gregor Hrovat (41-46)
The crossover will continue in the third quarter. The Israelis are carried by a collective power with a danger that can come from anywhere on the floor while the Dijonnais rely, as since the start of the meeting, on the leader/pivot connection, namely David Holston (who counts 15pts and 10 assists at this time of the game) and Gavin Ware who destroys the opponent’s racket by perfectly alternating mid-distance shots and finishes near the circle. The visitors maintain a gap of 7 units after 30 minutes of play (61-67).
The fourth quarter will therefore be no exception to the rule with the locals who will push to come back up to their opponent. However, the visitors were very solid in the final minutes. This is illustrated at 1’30 from the end when Gavin Ware manages to capture on the same possession 2 consecutive offensive rebounds to then come and find David Holston who will intelligently provoke 2 throws which he will then convert to ensure victory.
The JDA players therefore showed a solid face by managing to place accelerators at key moments in the game. Coach Markovic’s men therefore won the first of their 6 matches. However, the Dijonnais will have to quickly prepare for next week’s match against Strasbourg (also winner of their first match) which will probably be the first turning point in this pool.
M.L.
Technical sheet: Hapoel Jerusalem loses against JDA Dijon 77 to 84 (21-23, 20-23, 20-21, 16-17)
Hapoel Jerusalem : Hankins (13) / Randolph (14) / Carrington (11) / Vene (10) / Smith (8) / Brown (5) / Cornelius (6) / Mejeris (6) / Segev (4)
JDA Dijon : Holston (20) / McDuffie (16) / Horvath (13) / Ware (24) / Alingue (4) / Mobley (5) / Ducoté (2)
Passes :
– Hapoël Jérusalem : Smith (12) / Carrington (3) / Randolph (2)
– JDA Dijon : Holston (13) / Hrovat (5) / Mobley (3)
Bounces:
– Hapoel Jerusalem: Hankins (10) / Cornelius (4) / Randolph (4)
– JDA Dijon : McDuffie (8) / Ware (7) / Holston (4)
