8 seconds and 1 fadeaway 3 pointer away..

The semifinal and final of the cup were 2 of the most entertaining games I have ever been a part of. First the semifinal game against Jerusalem..

Jerusalem is a team tied for 1st place with Maccabi Tel Aviv in our league.  They were also the favorites in the game by about 8 points.  Luckily, our team was focused from the beginning and played great defense throughout the game.  Neither team built more than a 10 point lead either way.  At the end of the 4th quarter we got a bucket to go up 2 points with 35 seconds left.  They came back down and with the shot clock running low hit an off balance 3 pointer with 10 seconds left to go up 1 point.  timeout.  our ball with one last chance and we get a runner across the lane which goes in while getting fouled by Jerusalem with 2 seconds left.  We are up 1 point now.  After a missed free throw by us a full court shot is way off and we win the game in dramatic fashion.  Next up in the finals is Holon.  A role reversal in that we are now the favored team.

The game starts out great for us and we have a 10 point lead built up somewhere in the 2nd quarter.  things are looking good and all we need to do is protect the lead and play solid.  We end up going into the halftime break with an 8 point lead.  The 2nd half opened up with Holon playing inspired basketball.  2 of their guards were hitting tough 3 point baskets and driving to the hoop.  After a run they were up around 8 or 9 points heading into the 4th quarter.  Our team showed some character by stepping up the defense and had the game tied under 2 minutes to go.  After some more back and forth we go up by 3 with about 17 seconds left.  they drive the length of the court and get fouled.  make both free throws.  our ball again and when we inbound the ball we get immediately fouled.  make 1 of 2 free throws so now we are up 2 points with 8 seconds to go.  One of their guards drives the length of the floor and dribbles to the corner, steps back, and with 3 of our defenders on him altering his shot, makes a 3 pointer as time expires.  amazing..  for them.  It was a depressing loss because it was going to be history for Haifa to win the cup.  Never has it been done before in Haifa.  A tough way to lose the championship.   As for me..  I have been not practicing full with the team this past week because of a hurt neck.  I'm hoping it gets better and am getting treatment.