Max Zakheim’s Heroics Fuel Macs’ Thrilling Comeback Win Over SJLI

The Yeshiva University Maccabees showed heart, grit, and resilience, rallying from a double-digit deficit to secure their third straight conference win, defeating St. Joseph's University Long Island, 91-81.

Max Zakheim was nothing short of spectacular, carrying the team with 34 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists. It was his best-scoring performance of the season, three points shy of his career high. Zevi Samet poured in 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting. On defense, Effy Freundlich stepped off the bench, adding three steals and a block in 23 minutes of hustle-filled action.

The Macs improved to 8-7 overall and 5-1 in conference play, but the win didn't come easy.

How it Happened:

The Golden Eagles came out firing, building an 18-6 lead just six minutes in. Despite a jumper from Jonathan Levy stopping the bleeding, SJLI kept their foot on the gas, extending their lead to 36-23 late in the first half.

- The comeback began with contributions from Yoav Oselka, Roy Itcovichi, Dothan Bardichev, Samet, and Zakheim helped YU chip away, cutting the deficit to eight at halftime, 45-37.

- Early in the second half, the game was slipping away again as the Macs fell behind by 15. But Zakheim wasn’t having it. Over four minutes, he poured in 10 straight points, igniting the offense and bringing the Macs within six.

- Zakheim’s heroics energized the entire team. YU clawed back, finally taking their first lead at 74-73 on a deep three from Samet. Though SJLI briefly regained the edge, a crucial tip-in from Itcovichi swung the momentum firmly in Yeshiva's favor.

- From there, the Macs dominated the final six minutes. Baskets from Zakheim, Samet, and Freundlich pushed the lead to double digits, leaving SJLI with no answers. The Macs capped their incredible comeback with a roaring 91-81 victory.

Max Zakheim dropped 34 points as the Macs rallied past Saint Joseph’s Long Island 91-81 on Saturday night. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)

Max Zakheim Took Over:

When the team needed a hero, Zakheim delivered. His outburst was inspiring. The red rocket scored 10 straight points to spark the second-half comeback and made clutch plays down the stretch.

Macs Didn’t Fold Under Pressure:

Down by 15 in the second half, it would’ve been easy for the Macs to pack it in. Instead, they dug deep. They kept chipping away at the lead, stayed composed, and trusted each other. That resilience is what allowed them to seize momentum late in the game.

Timely Defense and Big Stops:

The Macs tightened up defensively when it mattered most. Effy Freundlich’s energy off the bench was enormous, with steals and a block that shifted the tone. They turned their defensive stops into offensive opportunities, outworking a gassed SJLI team in the final minutes.

For SJULI (4-11, 3-3 Skyline):

Alex Tabada led all scorers with 29 points.

AJ Esposito recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Ryan McNeely added 11 points, while Spencer Malloy and Justin Forest chipped in 10 each.

For Yeshiva (8-7, 5-1 Skyline):

- Max Zakheim scored 34 points, Zevi added Samet's 22 points, and Yoav Oselka contributed 9 points.

- Luke Cronin dished out seven assists, with Samet and several others contributing two each.

- Cronin, Zakheim, and Oselka each grabbed 7 rebounds.

Up Next:

The Macs are back on the road, heading to Brooklyn to face St. Joseph's University Brooklyn on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with tip-off set for 8:00 PM.