Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv continued its remarkable EuroLeague debut season with a commanding 97-84 win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Wednesday night, improving to 6-1 and maintaining top spot in the standings.
In a matchup filled with narrative, Hapoel coach Dimitris Itoudis triumphed over his longtime friend and former mentor Zeljko Obradovic, marking a symbolic victory in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the Israeli club is temporarily hosting its home games.
The two Greek tacticians shared an illustrious past at Panathinaikos, winning five EuroLeague titles together between 1999 and 2012. This time, Itoudis’ deep and balanced roster proved too much for Obradovic’s depleted Serbian side.
Hapoel’s teamwork stood out as seven players reached double figures, led by Collin Malcolm’s 17 points on near-perfect 7-of-8 shooting. The hosts hit 12 of 26 from three-point range and outscored Partizan 54-42 in the second half to seal the win.
Malcolm credited his team’s composure and unselfishness for the victory but urged caution about early success.
Dan Oturu added 14 points and six rebounds, Antonio Blakeney had 13, while Chris Jones finished with 12. Ish Wainright and Elijah Bryant chipped in 11 each, and Vasilije Micic contributed 10, underlining Hapoel’s offensive depth.
Partizan, now 3-4, stayed competitive in the first half but faded after the break. Sterling Brown led the visitors with 19 points, Duane Washington scored 15, while new signing Bruno Fernando managed just six points and three rebounds in limited action.
Hapoel will next visit Olympiacos on Friday in Round 8, while Partizan returns home to face Barcelona in search of a much-needed bounce-back.
