The Max Stern Athletic Center is set to host a high-stakes clash tonight as the Yeshiva University Maccabees face the undefeated, No. 16 ranked Wesleyan Cardinals. For YU fans, it’s an opportunity to cheer on a major underdog against a powerhouse that has been raining down threes and dominating the boards all season.
Wesleyan (11-0) enters this matchup scorching hot, fresh off a 94-65 drubbing of Widener, where they drained a season-high 17 three-pointers. It’s the same team that dismantled the Macs at home last January, 90-56, in a game where Yeshiva struggled to find its rhythm offensively, committed costly turnovers, and couldn’t get second-chance points.
But tonight’s a new night, and the Macs (4-4) have a shot to write a different story—though it will take nothing short of their best 40 minutes of basketball.
Max Zakheim (23) and Dothan Bardichev (22) seek to lead the Macs to a seismic upset over the undefeated and #16 ranked Wesleyan Cardinals on Monday night at the Max Stern Athletic Center. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Rebounding Battle:
Wesleyan are monsters on the boards. In their most recent win, the Cardinals out-rebounded Widener 46-20, including a 17-5 edge on offensive boards. For YU, whose rebounding differential is a concerning -6.6, controlling the glass will be a tall order. To keep this game close, the Macs need a total team effort, boxing out with intensity and hustling for every loose ball.
Perimeter Defense:
The Cardinals are lethal from beyond the arc, with their 17 triples against Widener proving they can shoot teams out of the gym. YU must close out on shooters, contest every shot, and immediately rotate defensively. Letting Wesleyan find their rhythm from deep could spell trouble early. Offensively, the Macs will need to match the Cardinals’ firepower and nail their opportunities.
A Complete 40 Minutes:
Consistency has been a challenge for the Macs this season, and tonight, they can’t afford to take any possessions off. Wesleyan will punish lapses on both ends of the floor, so YU must bring energy, focus, and execution from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
A YU win would be monumental, no doubt. But even a competitive showing against a ranked opponent can build confidence and momentum for the rest of the season.
How to Watch:
Tip-off is at 7:30PM from the Max Stern Athletic Center. You can watch the game on the MacsLive YouTube Page.
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