The Macs are back in action this Saturday night at the Max Stern Athletic Center, taking on the Saint Joseph’s Long Island Golden Eagles in a crucial Skyline matchup. After a dominant 87-61 road win over Mount Saint Mary, YU has momentum on their side, sitting at .500 on the season (7-7, 4-1 Skyline). The Golden Eagles (4-10, 3-2 Skyline) are flying in feeling Golden, having won three of their last five conference games and are hungry for another victory.
Max Zakheim will look to lead the Macs to a Satisfying Saturday night victory when they host Conference rival Saint Joseph’s Long Island. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Zakheim in the Zone:
Max Zakheim torched Mount Saint Mary for 23 points, including a red-hot 20 in the first half. When Zakheim gets going, it’s like watching poetry in motion. Will he deliver another scoring clinic, or will the Golden Eagles find a way to clip his wings?
Battle of the Boards:
The Macs dominated the glass on Wednesday, and Luke Cronin was a beast in the paint. However, St. Joseph’s Long Island boasts a strong rebounder in AJ Esposito, who’s coming off a double-double in their victory over Saint Joseph’s Brooklyn. This matchup could hinge on which team controls the boards—will Cronin and the Macs' big men outmuscle Esposito and the Golden Eagles, or will the visitors establish dominance in the paint?
Defensive Toughness:
YU’s press defense was relentless against Mount Saint Mary, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy points. With stars like Justin Turner and Matt Coletti leading the Golden Eagles’ offense, the Macs must stay sharp on the defensive end.
Home-Court Advantage:
Saturday night games at the Max Stern Athletic Center are unique. The energy, the fans, and the intensity are unmatched. The Golden Eagles, accustomed to their home court, might find themselves turning bronze and being rattled by the intensity of Macs nation. The crowd could play a pivotal role, especially if the game is close.
YU is hunting for a top spot in the Skyline standings, and every conference win counts. St. Joseph’s Long Island is no stranger to tight matches—they just beat St. Joseph’s Brooklyn 72-65 in a spirited St. Joseph’s bowl. Yeshiva shouldn't underestimate them, as their weekend party can turn sour in a hurry.
MARV’s Prediction:
The Macs ride their momentum and capitalize on their home-court advantage to secure another conference win. Zakheim stays hot and drops 20 more, Zevi Samet erupts for 25 points, Cronin holds his own in the paint, and YU’s defense forces enough turnovers to keep the Golden Eagles grounded. Expect an entertaining shootout, with the hosts coming out on top, 81-70. Let’s see how close I am to the margin postgame.
How To Watch:
Tip-Off is at 8:30PM from the Max Stern Athletic Center. You can stream the game on the Macslive YouTube channel.
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