U-BT Cluj-Napoca suffered a tough overtime defeat on the road, as Hapoel Jerusalem claimed a 114:104 victory in a dramatic BKT EuroCup clash, according to aba-liga.com.
The game proved to be a major test of character for U-BT Cluj-Napoca, who found themselves in serious trouble early on. The hosts imposed their rhythm and physicality, building a lead that stretched to as many as 23 points and putting the visitors under heavy pressure.
However, U-BT Cluj-Napoca refused to fold. Showing resilience and belief, they gradually clawed their way back into the contest and turned the game into a real battle down the stretch. Led by an outstanding performance from Trey Woodbury, the Romanian side completed an impressive comeback in the final minutes and forced overtime, tying the score at 96:96 after regulation.
The extra five minutes, though, belonged entirely to Hapoel Jerusalem. The home team raised their intensity once again, scoring 18 points in overtime and capitalizing on key possessions to pull away and secure the win.
With this loss, U-BT Cluj-Napoca drop to an overall record of 8-9. Their EuroCup fate will now be decided in the final round, when they host Aris Thessaloniki in a direct battle for a spot in the playoffs – a true do-or-die showdown where the winner advances to the next phase.
2025/26 BKT EuroCup, Regular Season, Round 17, Wednesday, February 4, 2026:
Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem – U-BT Cluj-Napoca 114:104 (22:19, 26:14, 23:27, 25:36, 18:8)
Harper 30, Carrington 20 | Woodbury 28, Richard 19.
Thursday, February 5, 2026:
Veolia Towers Hamburg – Cedevita Olimpija (19:30)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026:
Ratiopharm Ulm – Buducnost Voli 90:103 (19:23, 26:22, 30:21, 15:37)
Ledlum 27, Smith 18 | Ferrell 23, Sulaimon 23.
Hapoel Jerusalem is no longer just a challenger to the traditional hierarchy; the “Reds” have cemented their status as a European powerhouse, blending a fiercely loyal fanbase with a world-class sporting infrastructure.
The Alon Era: A Vision Realized
The transformation of Hapoel Jerusalem accelerated significantly under the ownership of Matan Adelson. His vision was clear: to move beyond being a local favorite and become a permanent fixture in the upper echelons of European basketball. In 2026, the club’s budget and administrative stability rival the top-tier EuroLeague organizations.
The team has successfully leveraged its state-of-the-art home, the Pais Arena, creating an atmosphere that many visiting European coaches describe as “the most intimidating in the region.”
EuroCup Aspirations: Chasing the Trophy
For Hapoel Jerusalem, the 2025-26 campaign is defined by their pursuit of the EuroCup title. After several seasons of deep runs in the Basketball Champions League (BCL), the move to the EuroCup was a strategic step toward their ultimate goal: an invitation to the EuroLeague.
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Tactical Identity: Under the current coaching staff, the team has adopted a “defense-first” philosophy. They rank among the top teams in the competition for defensive efficiency, forcing high turnover rates through aggressive perimeter pressure.
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The “Malha” Spirit: Despite the modern arena, the team maintains the gritty, hardworking identity—the Malha spirit—that defined their legendary old gymnasium.
The Roster: A Blend of NBA Experience and Local Heart
The 2026 roster is perhaps the most balanced in the club’s history. Management has moved away from high-turnover rosters, focusing instead on core continuity.
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The Backcourt Engines: The team relies on elite playmaking, with guards who excel in the pick-and-roll. Their ability to find shooters in the corners has made Hapoel’s offense one of the most unpredictable in the league.
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The Interior Anchors: Defensively, Jerusalem boasts versatile big men who can switch onto smaller guards, a crucial tactic in modern European basketball.
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Israeli Core: Key national team players provide the emotional heartbeat of the locker room, ensuring the club’s “Jerusalemite” identity remains intact amidst the international talent.
| Key Metric (Feb 2026) | Performance Level | Season Objective |
| Home Record | 92% Win Rate | Maintain Fortress Pais Arena |
| Points Allowed | 74.5 PPG | League-leading Defense |
| Average Attendance | 10,500 | Maximize Fan Engagement |
The Rivalry: Challenging the Yellow Hegemony
The rivalry with Maccabi Tel Aviv has reached a fever pitch in 2026. No longer viewed as the “little brother,” Hapoel Jerusalem has won several key head-to-head matchups in the Israeli Winner League and the State Cup. This shift in power has revitalized Israeli basketball, making every Clasico a sold-out, nationally televised event that captures the country’s imagination.
Community and Culture
Hapoel Jerusalem has always been more than just a sports club. In 2026, their community outreach programs—focusing on youth development and coexistence in a complex city—are as much a part of their brand as their on-court success. The fans, known for their elaborate “tifos” and relentless chanting, are an integral part of the club’s commercial and emotional success.
Ghanaian defender Christopher Braun joins Romanian giants CFR Cluj
