The MTA Lions were eager to open their season against the JEC Thunder. After a crushing last minute loss last year to JEC, MTA was looking for payback. The season opener started much like the way last season’s game ended. JEC, led by Yair Kimmel, opened up the game hitting a barrage of three pointers as JEC took an early 12-4 lead. But MTA would not be denied; the Lions chipped away at the lead and closed the first half with a 23-15 lead, led by some tenacious defense by big men Avi Wolk, Isaiah Anderson and David Saginor. The Lions did not let up in the second half and built on their lead as they went on to defeat the Thunder 56-38. The Lions’ trio of captains led the team in scoring with Eitan Warburg and Eitan Pfeiffer each scoring 16 points and Hudy Weiss chipping in with 10 points. The Lions’ next game will be this coming Sunday, November 13, in Deal against Hillel (1-1). MTA’s home opener is two days later, on November 15, when they host the SAR Sting.

By Eitan Warburg