Sorkin, DiBartolomeo provided spark against Fenerbahce
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv survived a tough test in Round 27, edging Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 78-74 at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Two of its bench players allowed Maccabi to overcome a bad start: Roman Sorkin and John DiBartolomeo.
Fenerbahce found an early go-to guy in Dyshawn Pierre, who had 10 points as the visitors grabbed an early 3-15 lead. Sorkin came off the bench and immediately delivered with a big basket off a spin move, allowing Maccabi to balance its offense and start trading baskets with its opponent. Still, Fenerbahce had a 17-25 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Maccabi opted to play Jake Cohen and Sorkin together on the court, giving playing time to backup point guard DiBartolomeo, too.
DiBartolomeo gave Maccabi the spark it needed in an 8-0 run, finding Jarell Martin for a three-pointer, getting a steal under the basket to feed Sorkin for a slam, and striking from downtown to tie the game, 31-31. His teammates followed his leadership as Maccabi took a 43-39 advantage into the halftime break.
The Maccabi team captain ended up leading his team in PIR, 21, after recording 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 7 fouls drawn. Sorkin, meanwhile, hit 5-of-6 two-pointers, finishing the game with 10 points, 5 rebounds and a PIR of 16. "I tried to play with energy and tried to be aggressive when I can, and I tried to help the team in any way I can," DiBartolomeo said after the game. "Tonight, the ball came to me a little more, and I am happy I was able to help."