Gameday Preview: Reeling #3 DRS competes against confident #16 Mesivta in Tier ll Quarterfinals

The #3 DRS Wildcats, reeling from their crushing loss against Frisch on Thursday, face off against the relentless #16 Mesivta Mustangs in a Tier II quarterfinals matchup.

Despite the two squads sharing equivalent stakes: win and make the Tier II semis, lose and go home, the Wildcats and Mustangs meet on the court riding completely opposite trajectories. 

#3 DRS came into the tournament with Tier l championship aspirations, and their high seeding reflected that confidence. Their public perception was not unwarranted, shaped by a 13-1 record and Yeshiva League title. However, in a surprising turn of events on Thursday, they were upset by rival #14 Frisch in a tight thriller punctuated by a go-ahead, buzzer-beating 3. The 44-45 loss put a damper on their Tier l title hopes and relegated them to the Tier ll arena.

Now, sobered by their loss, they look to bounce back with their high-flying, balanced attack and stout defense. Versatile star 6’5” forward Joe Aaron should be highly motivated to let loose after a relatively contained performance against Frisch. After an immaculate game from the perimeter, 5’11” forward Avi Slomnicki will look to continue his shooting hot streak, and physical 6’3” guard Tzvi Tsaidi has the potential to have a field day against this smaller Mustangs lineup.

The #16 Mesivta Mustangs, on the other hand, keep defying expectations and are consequently entering the game in a more self-assured state. They gave #1 YULA a serious run for their money in the Tier l qualifiers, and then proceeded to come out victorious in a close game against Valley Torah in the Tier ll qualifiers. After facing two big-name LA teams, they are set to square off with this DRS Yeshiva League squad, considered a behemoth entering Sarachek just a few days ago. Mesivta is comfortable at this point with the underdog label, and frankly, may savor it.

6’2” forward Dov Hirsch is Mesivta’s clear X factor. After a disappointing first game against YULA, contributing only a single 3-pointer to the scoreboard, he went on to score 20+ against Valley Torah. The outcomes of those two games speak for themselves. Hirsch’s streakiness is definitely something to keep an eye out for. Mesivta plays with more poise and swagger when Dov Hirsch is in flow, as teams divert their attention to him, opening up lanes and opportunities for other talented players on the squad like 5’8” guard Shaked Ben David.

In the end, it will come down to emotions. DRS has a more talented roster overall. DRS has a greater size advantage. DRS should, on paper, come out of this game against Mesivta on top. But have they recovered from their crushing defeat? Do they have the mental fortitude and determination to compete with Mesivta’s brash, firebrand attitude towards greater opponents? I guess we’ll find out tonight…

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