Hapoel Holon claimed a narrow 86-84 victory over Subotica in the Basketball Champions League on Wednesday evening. The Israeli side held on after a tight contest at the Subotica arena. Both teams arrived level on six points from three wins each.
Subotica pushed hard from the opening minutes, building momentum through their outside shooting. They finished with ten successful three-pointers compared to Holon's nine. The hosts also dominated the boards with thirty-six rebounds to twenty-nine.
But Holon found a way through. They recorded eighteen assists against fourteen for the hosts, moving the ball with more purpose when it mattered. By then the game was slipping away from Subotica, who could not find answers for Holon's defence.
The statistics tell a wider story. Both sides made twenty-four field goals each, but Holon converted twenty-nine of thirty-nine free throws while Subotica managed twenty-six from thirty-five attempts. The visitors also committed twenty turnovers to thirteen for the hosts, yet still came away with the win.
This result keeps both teams locked together in second place. Subotica's recent form had been solid, including a win over Crvena Zvezda back in May, but tonight's defeat suggests no one is easy in this division.
Holon's away victory extends their competitive edge, though they will know they gave away too many cheap fouls in the closing stages. The gap remains tight at the top of the standings.
