Last week, I wrote about enjoying the journey. About soaking in the season while it lasts and appreciating the growth of a group of seniors on their “one last ride.” About a team that had already accomplished something special before the NCAA Tournament even tipped off. But something changed this weekend. At some point during a magical season, the ride stops feeling like a surprise and becomes destiny. That’s what Montclair State felt like. The NCAA called it a neutral site.

After surviving a Round of 64 nail-biter against Bates on Friday afternoon followed by a relaxing Shabbat, the Yeshiva University Maccabees returned to the floor Saturday night and delivered something very different. Behind balanced scoring, relentless rebounding, and a roaring pro-Macs crowd that made the gym feel anything but neutral, YU overwhelmed the University of Maine-Farmington Beavers 92-69 at Panzer Athletic Gymnasium to punch its ticket to the Sweet 16 for the sec

March Madness doesn’t slow down for anyone. After surviving a thriller against Bates, the Yeshiva University Maccabees now head back to Montclair State and face the Maine-Farmington Beavers. Both teams arrive in the Round of 32 riding massive upsets. YU knocked off Bates 71–69 in a dramatic finish powered by Zevi Samet’s scoring explosion and Max Zakheim’s clutch free throws with 0.2 seconds left. Meanwhile, Maine–Farmington stunned host Montclair State Red Hawks men's basket