The Max Stern Athletic Center is one of the quirkiest places to play in Division III basketball. The infamous high bounces off the hoops and tricky stanchions in the corners force players to adjust their shots, especially from deep. If you’ve noticed, many Yeshiva University players have developed high-arching forms to navigate the unique challenges of their home hoops. When they usually miss, shots appear too strong more often than weak. These quirks have made for some offensive shootouts at home this season where Yeshiva poured in a combined 165 points in two early season victories.
Then we saw YU go on the road for their biggest regular season road trip in program history and get bottled. The Macs (4-3) were outclassed in humbling losses to #3 Trinity and #8 NYU, losing by a combined score of 173-96. Even in their Skyline Conference win against Purchase on Sunday, they struggled offensively, grinding out a 66-50 victory.
Tonight, they’ll welcome Saint Joseph Connecticut (5-3), a team also battered by the Trinity Bantams last week in an 86-60 loss. The Blue Jays don’t have enormous wings, but they’re not bad flyers, either. It’s a chance for Yeshiva to flaunt their offensive wealth against a group on their skill level.
Zevi Samet and the Macs are hoping a return home can snap them out of their shooting woes as they host Saint Joseph Connecticut. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/Macslive)
Can Zevi Samet Break Out of His Slump?
Your best player must be your best player. For YU, it’s Zevi Samet. The offensive conductor is currently experiencing mechanical difficulties. So far this season, the junior shooter’s accuracy rate is 34.2% from the field and 26.3% from three—a significant drop from last year’s 49.2% and 38.1%.
The good news? Shooters usually shoot their way out of funks. The bad news? That hasn’t happened for the Samet Slayer. Tonight is the perfect opportunity for him to snap out of his slumber and regain his confidence. If the Macs want to keep their undefeated home record (2-0) intact and build momentum, they’ll need the real Zevi to please stand up.
Fans must Bring the Energy, Even During Finals:
Finals week is brutal—everyone knows it. But while students are grinding away on essays and exams, the Macs make sacrifices to compete. If there’s one thing that can help a struggling team, it’s a loud and supportive home crowd.
The team needs the energy and encouragement that only the Max Stern crowd can provide. It’s been a rough stretch, but this is a chance for the fans to show the players they’re not in it alone.
Find Your Identity:
Tonight is about more than just one win. It’s about Yeshiva finding its identity again and sticking to its process. Was Sunday’s defensive lockdown against Purchase the start of something new or just a one-off performance? Can the Macs find their offensive rhythm and finally look like the team they aspire to be? Those questions must be answered if the Macs want to be in the 5-3 nest, where the Blue Jays currently reside.
How to Watch;
Tip-off at the MacsLive Athletic Center is scheduled for 8PM. You can watch the game on MacsLive YouTube channel.