In their regular-season finale, the Yeshiva University Maccabees host the Mount Saint Mary College Knights on Saturday night for their annual Senior Night and Alumni Night game. The Macs (15-9, 12-3 Skyline) have secured the #3 seed in the upcoming Skyline Conference Tournament. Meanwhile, Mount Saint Mary (3-21, 2-13 Skyline) have the worst record in the Skyline Conference this year and are eliminated from playoff contention. They are coming off an 85-71 loss at Purchase on Wednesday night.
Consistency is Key:
In order for the Macs to make a playoff run, they need to play a consistent game for all 40 minutes. The Macs have struggled in the second half in both of their last two games. Even though they are playing a much weaker Knights team, the Knights have outscored their opponents in the second half in each of the last 4 games. The Macs need to play tight defense, avoid foul trouble, and hit their shots in order to close this one out.
Win the Rebounding Battle:
The Macs have struggled with rebounding for most of the season, averaging 37.3 boards per game, the third lowest in the Skyline this season. However, they have shown some improvement over the last four games, averaging 42.5 rebounds a game, including 14 offensive rebounds on Wednesday vs. Manhattanville. Yoav Oselka has led the way for the Macs in that span, averaging 9.8 boards. On the flip side, Luke Cronin needs to step up on the glass, averaging only 3.5 boards in that stretch, despite his 6’8” frame.
On the other hand, the Knights are averaging 32.5 rebounds per game, good for second worst in the conference. Their top rebounder, Connor Cyran, is averaging just 5.4 rebounds/game, and their second-best rebounder, Ryan Graham, is averaging 2.9 boards a game.
Senior Night:
This game is also Senior Night for the Macs. The Macs only have one graduating senior this season, Ezra Sicklick. Sicklick walked on at the beginning of last season, winning the Red Sarachek Award for teamwork, dedication and selflessness. The 5’10” guard has recorded 2 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in eight games this year. Ezra, you will be missed man!
How to Watch:
Tip-off is at 8:30 PM at the Max Stern Athletics Center. You can also catch the game right here on the MacsLive YouTube Channel!
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