Hapoel Jerusalem Secure 75-64 Road Win at Cedevita Olimpija

Hapoel Jerusalem delivered a composed and defensively driven performance in EuroCup Basketball, defeating KK Cedevita Olimpija 75-64 in Ljubljana on October 7, 2026. The Israeli club controlled the tempo for long stretches, answered every Cedevita Olimpija push, and finished the game with a double-digit margin that reflected its poise on both ends of the floor.

The result gives Hapoel Jerusalem an important early road victory in the EuroCup regular season, while Cedevita Olimpija are left searching for consistency after a home defeat in front of their own supporters. Hapoel’s balanced scoring, timely three-point shooting, and interior defense proved decisive in a contest that was tighter than the final score suggested for three quarters.

Match Overview

Hapoel Jerusalem started with purpose, moving the ball patiently and finding open looks against Cedevita Olimpija’s half-court defense. The visitors took a 20-16 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 37-30 by halftime. Cedevita Olimpija stayed within striking distance thanks to Jaka Blažič’s perimeter shooting and some strong work on the offensive glass, but Hapoel consistently had the answer.

The third quarter developed into a tactical battle, with Cedevita Olimpija cutting the deficit to four points midway through the period. Hapoel Jerusalem responded with an 8-0 run late in the quarter, rebuilding a cushion that would carry into the final ten minutes. Leading 56-48 after three, the visitors closed the game with another disciplined stretch, holding Cedevita to just 16 fourth-quarter points.

• First quarter: Cedevita Olimpija 16, Hapoel Jerusalem 20
• Second quarter: Cedevita Olimpija 14, Hapoel Jerusalem 17
• Third quarter: Cedevita Olimpija 18, Hapoel Jerusalem 19
• Fourth quarter: Cedevita Olimpija 16, Hapoel Jerusalem 19
• Final score: Cedevita Olimpija 64, Hapoel Jerusalem 75

Key Moments That Decided the Game

The most important sequence came late in the third quarter. With Cedevita Olimpija threatening to turn the game into a one-possession contest, Hapoel Jerusalem strung together quick stops and transition baskets to push the lead back to double digits. A corner three and a fast-break layup capped the run, forcing the home side to call timeout.

In the fourth quarter, Hapoel’s defense tightened further. Cedevita Olimpija went more than three minutes without a field goal during one critical stretch, and Hapoel took full advantage by attacking the paint and drawing fouls. The visitors knocked down their free throws down the stretch, preventing any late drama and sealing a valuable EuroCup road win.

Tactical Story

Hapoel Jerusalem’s game plan revolved around controlling the pace and forcing Cedevita Olimpija into contested jump shots. The visitors switched aggressively on screens, disrupted pick-and-roll actions, and limited clean looks from beyond the arc. Cedevita Olimpija finished the night well below its usual shooting efficiency from three-point range, often settling for difficult attempts late in the shot clock.

On offense, Hapoel shared the ball effectively and attacked mismatches inside. Their guards repeatedly beat Cedevita’s perimeter defenders off the dribble, collapsing the defense and creating open opportunities for shooters. Hapoel also won the rebounding battle, an area that proved crucial in limiting Cedevita’s second-chance points.

Cedevita Olimpija’s best moments came when they played through the post and cut hard off the ball. However, turnovers and missed free throws in key moments prevented them from building sustained momentum. The Slovenian club will need to improve its half-court execution if it is to climb the EuroCup standings in the coming weeks.

Standout Players

• Jared Harper – Hapoel Jerusalem: 18 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Harper controlled the tempo and made several crucial plays in the second half, including a deep three that halted Cedevita’s comeback attempt.
• Austin Wiley – Hapoel Jerusalem: 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Wiley anchored the paint, altered shots, and gave Hapoel a reliable interior presence on both ends.
• Jaka Blažič – Cedevita Olimpija: 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Blažič kept the home side within reach with timely shot-making, but he lacked enough support on the night.
• Devin Robinson – Cedevita Olimpija: 12 points and 7 rebounds. Robinson provided energy around the rim, though foul trouble limited his impact in the fourth quarter.

EuroCup Standings and Season Impact

The victory moves Hapoel Jerusalem to 1-0 in the EuroCup Basketball regular season and