JERUSALEM, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a spot in the eight-team Euroleague playoffs after a 94-73 home win over French champions Lyon-Villeurbanne in the 33rd round of the regular season.

It was Maccabi's 15th win out of 26 games, while the French side remains with eight wins in 27 games.

In front of 10,000 fans at the Menorah Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, former Maccabi player Chris Jones inspired the visitors to dominate the opening minutes.

However, Maccabi took a 21-18 lead by the end of the first quarter mainly thanks to points by Scottie Wikbekin.

Three pointers by James Nunnally and points from the paint by Ante Zizic helped Maccabi increase the margin to 42-37 by halftime.

Impressive moves by Zizic enabled the home side to widen the gap to 64-50 in the 26th minute, on the way to a 70-58 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Kostas Antetokounmpo brought the visitors back trailing 66-72, but Zizic secured the home win 81-66 in the 35th minute.

Zizic scored a game-high 24 points for the winners, while James Nunnally added 16. Charles Kahudi scored 12 points for the visitors.

In the closing 34th round, Maccabi will face Barcelona in Spain while Lyon-Villeurbanne will host Armani Milano, with both games to be played on April 7.

The four playoffs ties, in series of the best of five, will begin on April 19. Series winners will advance to the Final Four. Enditem

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