Can Yeshiva Bounce Back? They better or else this season once filled with promise and NCAA Tournament aspirations can go south quickly.
The Yeshiva Maccabees (3-3) head into Sunday afternoon’s Skyline Conference opener against the Purchase Panthers (4-3) after two crushing defeats at the hands of nationally ranked opponents. Getting shelled by #7 NYU (89-53) and #5 Trinity CT (84-43) might have shaken the Macs, but the good news? Those games don’t define their season. What does is Skyline Conference play, because you get an automatic March Madness berth if you reach the highest cloud in the sky, and that quest starts today.
For all the noise about YU’s struggles against elite NCAA tournament-caliber teams, the path to the dance remains clear: dominate conference play. A win on the road at Purchase would be the perfect way to right the ship and set the tone for the season. But how can the Macs respond and secure a victory?
Zevi Samet and the Macs will look to end their two game skid in their Skyline Conference opener against Purchase. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/Macslive)
Control the Glass:
Rebounding will be a critical factor. Yeshiva ranks 11th in the Skyline with 23.3 defensive rebounds per game, while Purchase is third at 27.6. However, the Panthers are vulnerable, giving up 42 rebounds per game compared to YU’s 38.7. This gives the Macs an opportunity to win the battle of the boards. If YU can dominate the glass on both ends, they’ll limit second-chance opportunities for Purchase and create more possessions for themselves.
Transition Defense:
Purchase thrives on playing fast, boasting the quickest transition game in the conference. Yeshiva, meanwhile, has struggled to keep up with the pace of their opponents this season. They were manhandled in this area during their trip to the track meet court last year in a disappointing 80-73 defeat.
To succeed, the Macs must slow the game down with aggressive transition defense and disciplined offense. Controlling the tempo will be key to keeping the Panthers from running away with the game — literally.
Flipping the Switch:
After back-to-back blowouts, the focus shifts to how the Macs respond. Will they let those losses devour them for lunch or will they use them as fuel to elevate their play? Conference play offers a fresh start, and a gritty performance on the road could spark the kind of momentum YU needs to compete and rediscover their New York groove.
It’s gut-check time for Yeshiva. With their backs against the wall and the conference season beginning, how will they rise to the challenge?
How to Watch:
Tip-off is at 12PM from Purchase. You can watch the game here.
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