Gameday Preview: USMMA@ Yeshiva

Fresh off another workmanlike win, the Macs are right back at it — and this one comes with a little extra meaning.

On Alumni Night at the Max Stern Athletic Center, Yeshiva looks to keep its perfect Skyline Conference record intact as it welcomes Merchant Marine to Manhattan. The Macs enter the night 10–0 in conference play, while the Mariners arrive 4–5 in the Skyline, very much in the mix for a postseason spot and a team YU could see again when the games start to matter even more.

Yeshiva has spent the last few weeks proving it can take care of business against teams it’s supposed to beat. Wednesday’s 76-47 win over St. Joseph’s LI followed that script to a tee, and the challenge now is doing it again, in front of a packed gym and a group of alumni who know exactly what Skyline games in February are supposed to feel like.

Merchant Marine is dangerous in the way playoff teams often are: experienced, physical, and comfortable playing slower, grind-it-out basketball. Their record doesn’t jump off the page, but they’ve stayed competitive all season and will be motivated knowing a strong showing at the Max Stern Athletic Center could matter in seeding down the line.

For the Macs, the formula doesn’t change. Defend the paint, control tempo, and let Zevi Samet set the tone offensively. Do that, and Yeshiva puts itself in position to move to 11–0 — and send the alumni home happy. It’s different night  but the  same standard.

Own the paint again:

Everything flowed last game because Yeshiva controlled the interior on both ends. The Macs outscored SJLI 44–16 in the paint, setting the tone physically and creating high-percentage offense. Replicate that presence inside and Merchant Marine won’t be able to hang around.

Stay disciplined early:

The only window SJLI had came in the opening minutes. Once Yeshiva settled in, the game was over. Against a veteran Merchant Marine group, the Macs need to avoid slow starts, value possessions, and turn early composure into another calm, controlled night.

Match the Alumni Night moment:

Alumni Night brings emotion, energy, and a louder building — and the Macs have to channel it the right way. Feed off the crowd without forcing the issue, play for the names on the jerseys in the stands, and let that extra juice show up on defense and effort plays, not rushed shots.

How to Watch:

Tip-off is at 8:30PM. You can watch the game on MacsLive