Wallace's 20-point outing not enough as Maccabi Tel Aviv fall in preseason opener

Maccabi Tel Aviv entered their first preseason game of the new season with a depleted squad as several key players were absent due to national team duty, injuries, and fitness concerns. Despite a strong start and a commanding lead, Oded Kattash's side fell 86-84 to Hapoel Herzliya in a closed-door game at the training center. The rare bright spot for Maccabi came from Keaton Wallace. He scored 10 points in the first quarter, brought his total to 14 by halftime, and finished the game with 20 points as the team's leading scorer. The rest of the home side's contributions were modest, with Will Rayman adding 8 points, while Amit Abu, Jundy, and Bonzie Colson each had 6, and Armand Bykota and Shane Hunter contributed 4 apiece. Wallace showed his scoring ability early, helping Maccabi close the first quarter with a 23-17 lead. By halftime, Kattash's team had extended the advantage to 53-38. Maccabi continued to control the tempo in the third quarter, maintaining a 72-63 lead heading into the final period. However, Hapoel Herzliya mounted a dramatic comeback in the closing minutes, stringing together crucial baskets to seal an 86-84 win. Head coach Oded Kattash had to manage with a roster missing several key contributors. According to club information, multiple players were away on national team duty, while Jimmy Clark was sidelined with an injury. T.J. Leaf and Gur Lavi were also not fit enough to feature. The game was played behind closed doors with no fans or media allowed, serving as an internal evaluation tool for the coaching staff. Despite the loss in their opener, Wallace's performance is viewed as a positive signal for Maccabi Tel Aviv amid a depleted squad. The team's control of the game for extended stretches suggests potential once the full roster is available. However, the late-game collapse also raises questions about maintaining focus and stamina under pressure. This game provided an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess backup players and new faces in an incomplete roster context. Maccabi Tel Aviv will need time to reintegrate their key players and refine their system ahead of the regular season. Upcoming preseason fixtures will serve as important tests for the team to find their optimal operating formula.