The Yeshiva University Maccabees are back in action, hitting the road for a Skyline Conference rematch against the Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins. The Macs enter Riverdale, NY with a 10-2 conference record (13-8 overall), keeping them firmly in the mix for a top playoff seed. Meanwhile, Mount Saint Vincent sits at 6-9 in Skyline play (9-12 overall), looking to build on recent momentum.
The last time these two teams met, Yeshiva cruised to a dominant 112-75 victory, but this Dolphins squad has evolved since then. They’ve tightened up their offensive game and are playing with a newfound sense of urgency, making them a dangerous opponent.
This should be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Yeshiva leads the Skyline in points per game (76.6), while Mount Saint Vincent has climbed the rankings and now sits at 71.3 PPG. Neither team is known for elite defense, with both ranking in the bottom half of the conference in points allowed, so expect plenty of offensive fireworks. The Macs also hold key statistical advantages in shooting, leading the conference in field goal percentage (45.8%) and free throw percentage (78.1%). The Dolphins are scrappy, though, ranking second in the Skyline with 9.19 steals per game, meaning YU must take care of the ball.
Mount Saint Vincent is coming off a dramatic 67-66 buzzer-beater win over Manhattanville, a game where they showed resilience and clutch execution down the stretch. Alex Chi was the hero, knocking down a tough game-winning jumper in the paint with 1.6 seconds left to seal the victory. The Dolphins had four players in double figures, led by Max DePina (16 points, 11 rebounds), Josiah Basket (15 points), and Chi (15 points, 4 assists). They don’t rely on a single star, but rather a balanced attack that can score in multiple ways.
One of the biggest strengths of the Dolphins is its ability to force turnovers and capitalize on mistakes. They play an aggressive defensive style, ranking near the top of the conference in steals. If they can turn this game into a track meet, it could favor them. UMSV is coming in with momentum after their dramatic win, and they’ll be eager to pull off an upset. YU must play smart, and execute defensively, to
be in a strong position to grab another conference win.
The Macs seek to sweep the season series against Mount Saint Vincent on Tuesday night. (Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Control the Tempo:
Mount Saint Vincent thrives in chaos, using their defensive pressure to force turnovers and create fast-break opportunities. Yeshiva must dictate the pace, execute in the half-court, and limit unnecessary mistakes. If the Macs allow the Dolphins to speed them up and disrupt their rhythm, things could get dicey.
Ride the Hot Hand:
Or Sundjyvsky is coming off the best game of his career, dropping 32 points with 13 rebounds in Sunday’s 90-82 win over Purchase. If can stay hot, Yeshiva will have a massive advantage. Zevi Samet remains a go-to scorer, and Max Zakheim is always a reliable secondary option. Getting these three going early will be key to putting pressure on the Dolphins’ defense.
Defensive Discipline:
The Macs’ second-half defensive switch from man to zone to against Purchase turned the game around, and they might need a similar adjustment if Mount Saint Vincent starts heating up. Yeshiva’s ability to communicate, rotate effectively, and force contested shots will be critical. If they can string together stops, they should be able to control this one.
How to Watch:
Tip-Off is at 8PM. You can watch the game here.
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