In a game that went down to the wire, the Macs were able to upset #19 Mount Union on Friday. The game was one of runs, with each team building momentum just for the other team to steal it right back. The Macs played well and stayed disciplined down the stretch; thus they were able to emerge victorious in their first ever road win against a ranked opponent.
How it happened:
The game began well for Yeshiva, opening with a 7-2 run, showcasing competitive defense
Mount Union then took the lead on the back of on an 11-4 run, featuring a pair of blocks by Caleb Laurich
Halfway through the first half, Yeshiva led the game 23-15, following a three from Zevi Samet
Mount Union went on another run, this time 7-0, bringing the game within one point
The two teams traded baskets for the rest of the half, but two big 3-pointers by Max Zakheim and Zevi Samet propelled Yeshiva to a 42-33 lead at the half
The teams went back and forth to begin the second half, and the Macs led by ten with 16 minutes remaining
Mount Union went on another 7-0 run to cut the deficit down to three points, and the Macs struggled offensively, committing two turnovers
YU responded with a 9-3 run forcing a timeout from Mount Union, who were down ten points with ten minutes remaining
Whatever Coach Fuline said in the huddle must’ve worked, as the inspired Purple Raiders scored eleven straight, taking their first lead since they led 2-1 in the first minute of the game, electrifying the home crowd
The Macs weren’t going down without a fight, as they quickly regained the lead, going back and forth with Mount Union, bringing the score to 68 apiece with four and a half to play
After a Mount Union timeout, the Macs were the ones who took advantage, scoring eight unanswered, topped off by a ridiculous Zevi Samet logo three
YU shot incredibly well from the charity stripe to close the game, going a perfect 10/10 on free-throws to close the game
Zevi Samet led the Macs with 34 points, en route to their biggest road upset win in program history, as YU defeated #19 ranked Mount Union 86-81 on Friday afternoon in Alliance, Ohio. (Akiva Poppers/Macslive)
Ball Movement:
The Macs moved the ball well on offense this game, led by Dothan Bardichev who finished the game with a team high six assists. Luke Cronin and Or Sundjyvsky also contributed three assists apiece, including a beautiful find by Or, hitting Zevi Samet inside for a layup. The Macs will have to keep moving around and stay patient on offense if they want to remain undefeated on their Ohio road trip.
Maturity:
The Macs showed their maturity in this game as they remained composed down the stretch. Despite the travel day yesterday and tough environment, the Macs weren’t fazed and were able to keep their cool and shine in their game. In the past, the Macs have struggled to stay disciplined and close out games, but this squad proved that they are a more mature group this year. Coach Steinmetz must be pleased with the way his team was able to break the Mount Union press and avoid turnovers in the waning moments of the match. Closing the game 10/10 on free-throws exemplifies this team’s readiness to compete and shine in the big moments.
Newcomers:
There is a lot of hype surrounding this year’s recruiting class. Luke Cronin is finally going to be the Macs answer down low and give them size to defend opposing bigs. Despite a statistically lackluster day, Luke proved that he belongs; performing admirably while dealing with All-American Christian Parker. Luke also opened up the Macs offense, giving them a real inside presence and allowed them to work through the high post. Another player who proved to be worth the hype was Jonathan Levy: Jonathan played great defense and spaced the floor well on offense. Interestingly enough, Luke and Jonathan led the Macs in +/- with +12 and +10 respectively.
For Yeshiva:
Zevi Samet led the way with 34 points to complement his seven rebounds and two steals. He also shot 6/11 from three, picking up right where he left off last season.
Max Zakheim was second on the team, with 24 points and seven rebounds. He was also impressive defensively, shooting 7/10 from the field
Dothan Bardichev was the key rebounder and distributor, leading the team in rebounds (eight) and assists (six), both accompanying his seven points
For Mount Union:
Marcus Steele led the team with 18 points and contributed five rebounds and an assist
Christian Parker led the team with 12 rebounds and scored 15 points before fouling out with a minute left
Eli Farrington scored 17 points and grabbed seven boards, four of which were offensive
Up Next:
The Macs will be spending the Shabbos together in Cleveland as they host a team shabbaton. Next Sunday, the Macs will try to go undefeated on their Ohio road trip, as they take on another Ohio powerhouse in the Wooster Fighting Scots. The game is scheduled for 1pm on Sunday afternoon.