Ironi Kiryat Ata Edges Hapoel HaEmek 85:86 in Basketball Thriller

The opening round of Israeli basketball delivered drama as Ironi Kiryat Ata secured a narrow 85:86 home victory over Hapoel HaEmek, overcoming a double-digit deficit with only three foreign players.

Tomer Asiag starred for the hosts, putting up a career-high 26 points, including five three-pointers, along with five rebounds and three assists to lead the dramatic comeback.

"We showed a lot of character and played with a big heart," Asiag said after the game. "It wasn't our most polished performance, but it was aggressive and full of soul."