Maccabi Tel Aviv Clinch #1 Spot in Group B; Eye Top 16

Maccabi Tel Aviv came away with a victory over German foe Alba Berlin 78-62 in Nokia last night tonight. Despite the victory, Maccabi Tel Aviv failed to put the Germans away and showed some weaknesses. Maccabi Tel Aviv was playing without star Devin Smith who is battling a sickness, possibly mono.

Over the past 48 hours there have been rumors that Maccabi Tel Aviv is searching for new players to help improve the team.  Coach David Blatt addressed these rumors during the post-game press conference.

“We advanced and now is the time to  make decisions and if we decide changes are needed,they will be made by the weekend or early next week,”

Guard Ricky Hickman led Maccabi with 17 points, while David Logan contributed 15 points. Former Maccabi Haifa star Sylven Landesberg also had a strong showing for Maccabi and finished with 13 points.

Deon Thomopson was the top scorer for Alba Berlin with 16 points in defeat.

As of now, Sienna, Barcelona, Fenerbahce, BC Khimki and Beşiktaş JK have joined Maccabi’s group in the Top 16. Maccabi will now wait until tonight to see who else will join them in the Top 16.