Hapoel Tel Aviv on Friday defeated Gran Canaria to win the EuroCup, marking the first time the Israeli squad has won the basketball tournament.

Hapoel was led in scoring by Antonio Blakeney with 27 points, followed by Johnathan Motley with 26. Motley was named MVP of the EuroCup final after also putting in a strong performance during the first game of the series against Gran Canaria.

The Tel Aviv club’s owner Ofer Yannay reveled in the win, noting his team defeated both Gran Canaria and fellow Spanish team Valencia on the way to the title. Spain has been a leading European critic of Israel over its conduct in the ongoing Gaza war against Hamas.

“In my view we defeated Hamas,” said Yannay in remarks widely quoted by Hebrew media outlets. “They tried to break our spirit but did not succeed.”

With the tournament victory, Hapoel secured a spot in next year’s EuroLeague, where it will join fierce crosstown rival Maccabi Tel Aviv, marking the first time two Israeli teams have both been in the top-tier men’s European basketball league.

'In my view we defeated Hamas,' says Israeli squad's owner after defeating 2 Spanish teams on way to title; with victory, Hapoel will join its crosstown rival Maccabi in EuroLeague{ai:summary}<p>Hapoel Tel Aviv won the EuroCup on Friday, their first title in the tournament, defeating Gran Canaria. Antonio Blakeney scored 27 points, while Johnathan Motley, who had 26 points, was named MVP of the final. </p><p>Owner Ofer Yannay celebrated the victory, stating they overcame challenges, including criticism from Spain amid the Gaza conflict. Hapoel's win secures a spot in next year's EuroLeague, alongside rival Maccabi Tel Aviv. #sports</p>

Hapoel Tel Aviv defeats Gran Canaria to win its first ever EuroCup Basketball

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