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Basketball / Holon dominates Nahariya in paint to win spot in title game
By Ofer Matan

Hapoel Holon defeated Ironi Nahariya 100-89 in the Premier League semifinals last night, out-rebounding its opponents to secure a place in Thursday's Final Four.

The game began slowly, with fourth-seeded Nahariya's sound defense allowing it to open a 10-point lead over first-place Hapoel in the first quarter.
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But Hapoel soon awakened from its slumber, thanks in no small part to the substitution of Chester Simmons for Tony Wisham, who had inexplicably been chosen to fill Simmons' starting lineup slot.

Thus began Hapoel's comeback, one based on raw talent and not much else. Strategy was in short supply and its offense not as organized as it could have been, but hustle and offensive rebounds were on full display. Its play resembled that of a youth team blessed with the arrival of a few tall Americans who jump higher and run faster than the rest of the players.

The team's most obvious advantage lay in the rebound column. Nahariya simply could not match up in the paint, its defensive rebounding so pitiful that forward Ido Kozikaro was heard cursing himself, the ball and the court under his breath.

Hapoel played good, consistent basketball all year, landing it a well-deserved spot atop the Premier League rankings, while Nahariya played much of the season as if its back were against the wall. Still, Nahariya's victory against Hapoel in their last meeting provided an essential boost to its self-confidence.

Hapoel was the clear favorite to win yesterday's match-up, having at its disposal a starting five capable of waging fierce offensive attacks and a bench demonstrating considerable depth.

But its opponents in the final can take heart from the fact that the club's playground tactics will not be enough to win it the championship - a feat that requires strategy, patience and perhaps even good relations with the referees.

In the end, however, it may all come down to rebounds. If none of Maccabi's ballers can step up and aid Terrence Morris in pulling defensive rebounds, it may be the showmen of Hapoel Holon who arrive at next week's awards ceremony at the President's Residence.
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