That one hurts. There’s no way around it. Up eight with just over two minutes left, the Macs had the game in their hands, a division title within reach, and all the momentum. That was before an 11-0 run by Sarah Lawrence to close out a 94-91 stunner on Sunday saw the Gold Division slip away.
This loss stings. It’s the second time this season that the Gryphons have dramatically gotten the best of Yeshiva. First, it was Eamon Kelly’s half-court heave heard around Washington Heights and featured on Sports Center. This time, it was a collective team collapse that may have cost the blue and white in the Skyline Conference postseason bracket.
Now, at 14-9 and 11-3 in conference play, the road just got tougher. Home court for the playoffs was in their sights. Now, Yeshiva might have to take the long route to a title.
How It Happened:
- The first half was a battle of runs. After a back-and-forth start, Sarah Lawrence surged ahead by ten late in the first, but Yeshiva responded with a 12-0 blitz, capped by an emphatic Yoav Oselka dunk to take a 46-44 lead. A Gryphon three at the buzzer sent the Macs into halftime trailing by one.
- YU took command in the second half, using a 10-0 stretch to build a double-digit lead. With 11 minutes left, the Macs were up 73-63, and that lead stretched to 82-69 with just over five minutes remaining. The offense was clicking, and the Macs looked poised to win the Gold Division.
- Then, Yeshiva’s defense started to crack, as Sarah Lawrence ramped up the pressure, and suddenly, the momentum shifted. The Gryphons chipped away at the lead before completely taking over in the final minute, reclaiming the lead at 92-91 with 1:01 left. The Macs had their chances but couldn’t convert, missing their last three shots as Sarah Lawrence iced the comeback at the free-throw line.
The Macs suffered a heartbreaking 94-91 loss to Sarah Lawrence on Sunday with the Gold Division on the line. (Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Late-Game Execution:
For 38 minutes, YU played well enough to win. But when it mattered most, the offense stalled, and the defense collapsed. The Macs didn’t score in the final two minutes, while Sarah Lawrence ripped off 11 straight points to steal another victory from the jaws of defeat. Championship teams close games strong, and the Macs didn’t meet the moment.
Rebounding Woes:
The Gryphons capitalized on second-chance points, outscoring YU 24-17, and controlled the boards late. Yeshiva needed to be more physical in boxing out, but instead, Sarah Lawrence took advantage of their size and energy down the stretch. They out-rebounded them 44-36 and extended their possessions, wearing down the Macs defense.
Composure Under Pressure:
Once Sarah Lawrence started its late push, the Macs never responded. In the final minutes, YU was plagued by turnovers, rushed shots, and defensive breakdowns. Instead of slowing things down and executing, Yeshiva played into the Gryphons’ hands, leading to one of the most brutal losses of the season.
For Yeshiva: (14-9, 11-3 Skyline)
Zevi Samet was lights out again, dropping 26 points.
- Yoav Oselka was a force, racking up a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds
-Or Sundjvsky added 18 points and 13 rebounds. It’s the first game this season YU has lost despite two players recording a double-double.
For Sarah Lawrence: (15-8, 11-3 Skyline)
- SLC stars Aiden Morel (29) and Thomas Matonti (15) combined for 44 points.
-Braden Berman dropped a career-high 23 points.
- Chris Dougherty pulled down 16 rebounds.
Up Next:
The Macs will look to some home cooking to erase the sour taste of this loss when they welcome the struggling Manhattanville Valiants (8-15, 4-10 Skyline) to the Max Stern Athletic Center on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 8 PM.
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