Suppose the Yeshiva University Maccabees (10-7, 7-1 Skyline) want to "Purchase" a win on Wednesday night. It starts with defense, which eluded them in their 90-56 beatdown against Wesleyan on Monday— the worst loss at the MSAC in a decade. The scoreline wasn't even indicative of how lopsided the evening felt. It doesn't help that the Purchase Panthers (9-8, 3-5 Skyline) will invade the Macs gym for a crucial Skyline Conference matchup.
The Macs will look for a better defensive effort against Skyline Conference Rival Purchase on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Cleaning the Glass:
The Macs were outrebounded 43-24 on Monday, and the task on the glass doesn't get easier. Purchase enters averaging 39.7 rebounds per conference contest, while the Macs average 31.6, good for dead last. Yeshiva is a small group, and there needs to be more of an effort on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers are the best ball-management team in the conference with a turnover margin of 3.88, while the Macs are at 2.53.
Rim Battle Royale:
Like Wesleyan, Purchase loves up-tempo ball and exposing teams in transition. The Macs struggled with defensive assignments on Monday, resulting in them being outscored 13-8 on second-chance points and 60-26 in the paint. The slot will be a struggle for Yeshiva on both ends; the Panthers are the top rim protectors in the Skyline, averaging five blocks per game, while the Macs are ninth, with an average of 2.47.
Beyond the Arc:
The Macs shot 6-20 from downtown on Monday, which was better than Wesleyan, who went 3-22. The Macs rely on the three-pointer, and offensive production stalls when it doesn't fall. The patented motion offense has led to Yeshiva averaging a Skyline-leading 9.4 makes per game, while Purchase is sixth with 8. If the Macs keep up with their opponents, it'll come from the splash zone. The primary key to victory, however, will be the team's commitment defensively.
Yeshiva allows 79.1 points per game, second to last in the conference. Luckily, Purchase is in the middle of the pack, allowing 70, which means it's an opportunity for Yeshiva to regain confidence on both ends of the floor. "It's not about talent," a player told MacsLive of their struggles, "It's about buy-in. Our offense is going to come from our defense."
How to Watch:
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM at the Max Stern Athletic Center, or you can watch the game here.
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