Crvena Zvezda Dominates Fourth Quarter to Defeat Hapoel Tel Aviv 87-75

Clinical Fourth Quarter Seals Victory for Belgrade Giants

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade delivered a commanding performance at the Belgrade Arena, securing an 87-75 victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in Round 26 of EuroLeague action. The Serbian powerhouse demonstrated their championship pedigree by completely shutting down their opponents in the final period, outscoring them 25-6 in a quarter that will be remembered as one of the most dominant defensive displays of the season.

The game began with both teams trading baskets in a competitive first half. The opening quarter saw Crvena Zvezda edge ahead 25-21, establishing an early rhythm on their home court. The second quarter proved to be a deadlock, with both teams scoring 24 points apiece, sending the teams into halftime with the home side holding a narrow 49-45 advantage. At this stage, few could have predicted the dramatic turn of events that would unfold in the game's closing stages.

Hapoel's Third Quarter Surge Sets Up False Hope

The third quarter belonged entirely to Hapoel Tel Aviv, who came out of the locker room with renewed energy and determination. The Israeli side flipped the script by outscoring their hosts 24-13 in what appeared to be a momentum-shifting period. This remarkable ten-minute stretch saw Hapoel take a 69-62 lead into the final quarter, putting themselves in prime position to secure a crucial road victory.

Ish Wainright was instrumental during this surge, showcasing his three-point shooting prowess that would see him finish with 15 points on an impressive 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Chris Jones also contributed significantly off the bench, adding energy and scoring punch that seemed to have put the visitors in control of the contest.

Historic Fourth Quarter Collapse Dooms Visitors

What transpired in the final ten minutes will haunt Hapoel Tel Aviv for some time. After entering the fourth quarter with a seven-point cushion, the Israeli squad managed to score just six points in the entire period—a catastrophic offensive collapse that handed the game to their hosts on a silver platter. Crvena Zvezda capitalized ruthlessly, pouring in 25 points while their defense locked down every passing lane and contested every shot.

This 25-6 run represented not just a comeback, but a complete dismantling of Hapoel's game plan. The visitors appeared shell-shocked as the home crowd roared its approval, watching their team execute with precision at both ends of the floor. The defensive intensity ramped up to suffocating levels, forcing turnovers and rushed shots that had no chance of finding the basket.

Nwora Leads Balanced Offensive Attack

Jordan Nwora was the standout performer for Crvena Zvezda, leading all scorers with 22 points on efficient 8-of-13 shooting from the field. The American forward was a constant threat throughout the contest, attacking the basket with conviction and converting 6-of-10 two-point attempts. His ability to get to the free-throw line proved crucial, as he knocked down 4-of-6 attempts from the charity stripe while also contributing three rebounds and two assists. His efficiency rating of 23 was the highest among all players on the court.

Jared Butler provided essential scoring punch off the bench, delivering 17 points in just over 20 minutes of action. The guard showed his versatility by hitting 3-of-7 from three-point range while also being aggressive in driving to the basket, converting 4-of-7 two-point attempts. His energy and scoring ability gave Crvena Zvezda a significant lift when it mattered most, particularly during the decisive fourth quarter surge.

Codi Miller-McIntyre orchestrated the offense brilliantly, dishing out nine assists while adding 10 points of his own. The floor general's court vision and decision-making were instrumental in creating open looks for his teammates throughout the contest. His efficiency rating of 18 reflected his all-around contribution, which also included three rebounds and two steals.

Defensive Intensity Defines Victory

The defensive performance in the fourth quarter was nothing short of spectacular. Crvena Zvezda held Hapoel Tel Aviv to just six points in ten minutes—a suffocating display that showcased the defensive principles and discipline that define championship-caliber teams. The home side's ability to rotate, help, and recover was exemplary, leaving the visitors frustrated and unable to generate quality scoring opportunities.

Nikola Kalinic contributed two steals in his 21 minutes on the court, while Codi Miller-McIntyre also recorded two steals as part of the defensive effort. The entire team bought into the defensive scheme, contesting shots, fighting through screens, and making every possession a battle for Hapoel.

Hapoel's Offensive Struggles Prove Costly

Despite a competitive showing for three quarters, Hapoel Tel Aviv simply couldn't sustain their offensive rhythm when it mattered most. Chris Jones finished with 16 points off the bench, hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range, showing the kind of shooting that had given his team hope. However, his efforts were ultimately in vain as the team's offense ground to a halt in crunch time.

Ish Wainright matched Jones with 15 points, displaying excellent three-point shooting at 5-of-8. His ability to space the floor and knock down open looks kept Hapoel in the game for three quarters, but even his hot shooting couldn't prevent the fourth-quarter meltdown.

Collin Malcolm provided solid playmaking with four assists and three steals, contributing nine points in over 36 minutes of floor time. Dan Oturu was efficient in limited minutes, scoring eight points on 4-of-5 shooting before fouling out, while Bar Timor added eight points and an impressive five steals, showing his defensive tenacity even as his team struggled collectively.

Bench Contributions Make the Difference

The depth of Crvena Zvezda's roster proved to be a decisive factor. Semi Ojeleye pulled down nine rebounds, including five offensive boards, giving his team crucial second-chance opportunities. His physicality and effort on the glass helped wear down the Hapoel defense over the course of 40 minutes.

Joel Bolomboy was highly efficient with eight points on perfect 3-of-3 shooting from the field, adding seven rebounds and playing solid defense in his 17 minutes. Ebuka Izundu contributed four points and six rebounds off the bench, while Ognjen Dobric knocked down both of his three-point attempts for six quick points, providing a spark when needed.

Implications for Both Teams

This victory continues Crvena Zvezda's solid recent form, having won four of their last seven games. The ability to overcome a seven-point deficit entering the final quarter demonstrates the mental toughness and character that defines successful EuroLeague campaigns. The defensive performance in the fourth quarter will give the coaching staff confidence that this team can lock down opponents when games are on the line.

For Hapoel Tel Aviv, this loss extends a difficult stretch that has seen them drop three of their last four games. The fourth-quarter collapse will require serious analysis and soul-searching. While the team showed they could compete with quality opponents for three quarters, the inability to close out games remains a concerning trend that must be addressed if they hope to achieve their season objectives.

The 12-point margin of victory doesn't fully capture the dominance Crvena Zvezda displayed when it mattered most. This was a statement win on home court, showcasing the kind of fourth-quarter execution and defensive intensity that can carry a team deep into the playoffs. As the EuroLeague season progresses toward its crucial final stages, performances like this one will be remembered as defining moments in the campaign.