Full Breakdown
Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures 47th Israel State Cup Title
2/23/2026, 11:15:43 PM
Maccabi Tel Aviv Triumphs in State Cup Final
Maccabi Tel Aviv claimed its 47th Israel State Cup title by defeating Bnei Herzliya 109-90 in a decisive final held at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The victory was marked by a strong performance from Roman Sorkin, who scored a game-high 25 points, and Jaylen Hoard, who contributed 20 points. Maccabi established a commanding lead by halftime, going into the break with a 59-39 advantage. The team's depth was evident, with Tamir Blatt adding 14 points and eight assists, while Herzliya's Chinanu Onuaku led his team with 16 points.
Key Players and Contributions
Sorkin's first-half performance set the tone for Maccabi, as he scored 19 of his points before the break. Hoard and Oshae Brissett continued to build on the lead in the second half, while Herzliya struggled to keep pace despite efforts from Onuaku and Noah Carter, who scored 15 points. Maccabi's coach, Oded Katash, praised his team's defensive focus leading up to the match, stating, "We are proud that we made it, and it was not an easy journey."
Reflections on the Match
Following the game, Katash expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and the execution of their game plan. In contrast, Bnei Herzliya's coach, Yehu Orland, reflected on the disappointment of losing in the final, noting the challenges posed by Maccabi's experience in high-stakes games. He remarked, "The game got out of hand quickly, and Maccabi is used to playing in this arena."
Emotional Responses from Players
Hoard shared his thoughts on the significance of the win, emphasizing the challenges faced during the season due to injuries. He stated, "It wasn’t simple to win the cup... it’s a title I really wanted to win." Herzliya's captain, Shalev Lugashi, expressed the emotional weight of the loss, indicating that it felt more significant than previous defeats, and acknowledged the need for self-reflection to improve in future competitions.
Official Statements & Responses
Maccabi Tel Aviv's victory was celebrated by fans and players alike, with Sorkin earning the Finals MVP title for his standout performance. Katash highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience throughout the season, while Lugashi's comments underscored the need for Herzliya to learn from their mistakes moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are proud that we made it, and it was not an easy journey.” — Oded Katash, Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach
- “It wasn’t simple to win the cup, especially the matchup against Hapoel Jerusalem [in the semifinal], but it’s a title I really wanted to win.” — Jaylen Hoard, Maccabi Tel Aviv Player
- “We came in with the proper energy, and it’s tough to find the right words to express myself now. It’s tough at this moment to lose the State Cup; it’s a much bigger defeat than others. We made a lot of mistakes and we need to take a good look at what we did wrong and how we can correct that.” — Shalev Lugashi, Herzliya Captain
Maccabi Tel Aviv's victory in the Israel State Cup not only adds to their storied legacy but also highlights the team's resilience and depth, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
