Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv boosted its EuroLeague play-in hopes with a 94-89 victory over Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on Tuesday night at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.
The result lifted Maccabi to 16-16 in the standings and marked its sixth win in the last seven games, keeping the Israeli club firmly in the postseason race.
The hosts seized control early with a dominant first half built on physical play and disciplined offense.
Maccabi grabbed 11 offensive rebounds before halftime while forcing 10 turnovers, creating extra possessions and limiting Fenerbahce’s transition opportunities.
The ball movement also proved decisive as the Israeli side recorded 15 assists against only four turnovers in the opening half.
Roman Sorkin led the winners with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting inside the arc while controlling the paint during key stretches.
Jimmy Clark III added 16 points, and Oshae Brissett finished with 14 points and seven rebounds as Maccabi maintained offensive balance.
The backcourt combination of Tamir Blatt and Clark orchestrated the offense throughout the night.
Both guards finished with eight assists, marking only the fourth time in EuroLeague history that two Maccabi teammates recorded at least eight assists in the same game.
Despite trailing most of the night, Fenerbahce mounted a serious push in the third quarter behind veteran guard Nando De Colo.
De Colo scored 12 points in the final six minutes of the period and finished with a game-high 26 points on efficient shooting.
Onuralp Bitim and Metecan Birsen contributed to the comeback attempt, helping the Turkish club trim the deficit to 78-77.
Maccabi responded with decisive execution in the closing minutes.
Lonnie Walker converted two free throws before assisting Brissett on consecutive baskets, including a three-pointer that restored separation.
A corner triple from Sorkin later stretched the lead and effectively secured the victory as Fenerbahce could not produce a tying possession in the final minute.
Maccabi will host Dubai Basketball on March 26, while Fenerbahce returns home to face Zalgiris Kaunas on March 27.
