Hapoel Petah-Tikva (w) vs Hapoel Beer-Sheva (w) on January 19
On January 19, 2026, two of Israel's premier women's basketball teams, Hapoel Petah-Tikva (w) and Hapoel Beer-Sheva (w), will face off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Women’s Super League. This match could have significant implications for the league standings, with both teams eager to gain momentum as the season progresses. With the game taking place in Petah-Tikva’s home court, the atmosphere will be electric as the hosts look to assert their dominance on the court. For Beer-Sheva, this is a crucial opportunity to challenge for the top spots and keep their title hopes alive. Expect a clash full of tactical nuance, skill, and intensity.
Hapoel Petah-Tikva (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hapoel Petah-Tikva have had a strong start to the season, securing a series of solid victories, although their recent form has been slightly mixed with two losses in their last five games. The team has often relied on a fast-paced transition game, leveraging quick breaks after turnovers and long rebounds. Their offense is built around fast ball movement and creating open looks, particularly from beyond the arc, where they have an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 35.7%. With a solid frontline, Petah-Tikva thrives on offensive rebounds, leading the league in second-chance points, thanks to their dominant center, Maya Cohen, who is a constant presence in the paint.
On defense, they tend to pressure the ball high up the court, looking to force turnovers. Their transition defense, however, has shown occasional vulnerabilities, especially against teams that are adept at punishing mistakes with quick transition plays. The key player in their system is point guard Sarah Levi, who is responsible for orchestrating the offense and setting up the shooters in transition. Her vision and ball-handling are exceptional, though she has been prone to committing turnovers, averaging 3.2 per game. Any improvement in her decision-making will be critical for Petah-Tikva to keep up their offensive flow.
Injuries have not been a major concern for Petah-Tikva, but the status of shooting guard Roni Alon, who has been nursing a knee issue, will be one to watch. If she is unavailable, Petah-Tikva will likely need to adjust their offensive spacing and rely more heavily on the inside game.
Hapoel Beer-Sheva (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hapoel Beer-Sheva, on the other hand, have been in excellent form over the past month, with four wins and a single loss in their last five games. Their style is a more controlled, half-court offense, focusing on setting up plays through the high post and cutting to the basket. Beer-Sheva’s two-point shooting percentage ranks among the best in the league at 48.3%, reflecting their ability to create high-quality shots around the rim. Their star player, forward Yaara Shwartz, plays a central role in both scoring and playmaking, often initiating offensive sets and taking over during clutch moments. Shwartz’s ability to score in various ways – whether through mid-range jumpers, cutting to the basket, or crashing the boards – makes her a multifaceted threat.
Defensively, Beer-Sheva is known for their disciplined, zone defense, which clogs the paint and forces opponents to take contested jump shots. This system has allowed them to limit opponents to just 41.5% shooting from the field, a statistic that places them among the best defensive units in the league. However, their perimeter defense has been suspect at times, as teams with sharp shooters have been able to find success from beyond the arc. To counteract this, Beer-Sheva will need to be extra diligent in closing out on shooters, especially Petah-Tikva’s wing players who thrive in transition.
The main injury concern for Beer-Sheva is around point guard Tamar Cohen, who has been dealing with a sprained ankle. If she is unable to play, Beer-Sheva may struggle to maintain their tempo and fluidity in the offense, relying more on the isolation plays of Shwartz. Nonetheless, their depth is strong, and backup guards like Michal Ben-David are more than capable of filling in.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last three encounters between these two teams, the games have been closely contested, with Petah-Tikva holding a slight edge, winning two out of the last three matchups. However, Beer-Sheva’s victory in the most recent encounter—an 82-74 win—came in dominant fashion, showcasing their depth and ability to execute in key moments. This history suggests that while Petah-Tikva may have the upper hand in terms of regular-season success, Beer-Sheva will not be intimidated by their opponents and will come out with a renewed focus on executing their disciplined game plan.
In terms of psychology, this game will have a great deal of significance for both teams. For Petah-Tikva, a win would solidify their position at the top of the standings, while for Beer-Sheva, a victory would be a statement that they are ready to challenge for the championship. Expect both teams to come into this match with a heightened sense of urgency and intensity.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The first critical battle to watch is the matchup between Petah-Tikva’s center Maya Cohen and Beer-Sheva’s interior defense, led by their forward, Tali Koren. Cohen is a physical presence in the paint, and if she can dominate the boards and establish position in the post, Petah-Tikva will have a clear advantage in terms of second-chance points and rim protection. However, Koren has been an excellent shot blocker, and her ability to limit Cohen’s impact inside will be pivotal for Beer-Sheva.
The second key battle will unfold at the perimeter, where both teams have sharp shooters capable of punishing opposing defenses. Petah-Tikva’s Roni Alon (if fit) and Beer-Sheva’s Yaara Shwartz will likely be matched up against each other in a head-to-head duel from long range. The team that can establish dominance from beyond the arc and force the opposing defense to collapse will have the upper hand in this contest.
Finally, the battle between the point guards will also be decisive. Sarah Levi of Petah-Tikva and Tamar Cohen of Beer-Sheva are the engines that drive their respective teams. Both players excel at orchestrating the offense and getting their teammates involved. If one of them can control the tempo and keep their team in a rhythm, it will go a long way toward deciding the outcome.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match will likely feature a fast tempo, especially if Petah-Tikva can capitalize on turnovers and rebounds to fuel their transition offense. Beer-Sheva will counter with their disciplined half-court offense, looking to grind out possessions and get high-quality shots for their key players. Petah-Tikva will rely heavily on their perimeter shooting and fast breaks, while Beer-Sheva will look to exploit their size advantage inside and limit Petah-Tikva’s second-chance opportunities.
The outcome will depend on Petah-Tikva’s ability to hit their three-point shots and whether they can disrupt Beer-Sheva’s offensive flow. If Beer-Sheva can slow down the pace, limit turnovers, and control the glass, they will be in a strong position to win. However, if Petah-Tikva can find their rhythm early and play with pace, they could overwhelm Beer-Sheva with their transition game.
Prediction: Petah-Tikva 76-73 Beer-Sheva. A narrow win for Petah-Tikva, driven by their fast-break offense and perimeter shooting, but expect a tense, closely fought contest.
Final Thoughts
This matchup between two of the top teams in the Women’s Super League promises to deliver on all fronts: tactical battles, individual brilliance, and high stakes. The key question this game will answer is whether Petah-Tikva can continue to assert their dominance or if Beer-Sheva has the tools to finally knock them off their perch. Whichever team comes out on top will send a strong message for the rest of the season.
