Gameday Preview: Purchase @Yeshiva

Just days after a frustrating, momentum-stopping loss to Wesleyan, the Macs are right back in it — hosting Purchase Wednesday in a Skyline Conference rematch that suddenly feels bigger than the standings suggest.

Yes, YU beat the Panthers convincingly last time out. Yes, that 71–46 road win was the night everything finally clicked — balance, defensive edge, pace, purpose. Yet tonight is about whether that performance was a turning point or just a moment. The Wesleyan loss stung. It interrupted the sense that the Macs were finally finding their identity after a brutal non-conference stretch. Now comes the response game.  Can the Macs establish their habits again and remain undefeated 5-0 in Skyline Conference play?

Or Sundjvsky and the Macs look to remain undefeated in conference play as they rematch with the Purchase Panthers on Wednesday night. (Yeshiva Athletics)

Win the Paint (Again):

Everything flows from here. In the first meeting, YU absolutely owned the interior — 44–16 points in the paint — and that dominance broke Purchase early. When the Macs are attacking downhill, cutting with purpose, and finishing through contact, it forces the Panthers to collapse, opening kick-outs and second actions. If Yoav Oselka establishes himself early and wings like Mac Zakheim and Roy  Itcovichi keep slashing, YU controls both tempo and confidence.

Set the Defensive Tone Early:

Purchase shot just 25.9% in the first matchup because YU dictated every catch. Ball pressure disrupted rhythm, help defense was early, and rotations were sharp. The key tonight is not letting Purchase settle in. Early deflections, contested jumpers, and physical closeouts can snowball fast — especially at home. When the Macs defend first, their offense comes naturally.

Stay Connected:

The biggest difference in the first win wasn’t a star performance, but it was balance. Five players in double figures or near it meant no stagnation, no forcing, no hero ball.

After the Wesleyan loss, the challenge is still trusting the extra pass, trusting the bench, and trusting the system. If YU plays connected basketball for 40 minutes, they’ll find their identity again.

How To Watch:

Tip-Off is at 8:00PM from the MSAC. You can watch on MacsLive.