Gameday Preview: Yeshiva @ #15 Mary Washington

Less than 24 hours after getting humbled by #2 Randolph-Macon, the YU Macs walk right back into the fire and finish off their weekend stay in Virginia. Tip-off is at 2 PM, at #15-ranked University of Mary Washington.

If last night was a wake-up call, today is the first test of how this senior-led group responds. This whole “one last ride” mission? It doesn’t work unless you bounce back, regroup, and show you can compete with national tournament-level teams.

If the seniors want this final run to be more than nostalgia, if they want to rewrite their March story, games like this are where habits are built.

Or Sundjvsky and the Macs hope to salvage their Virginia trip with an upset over #15 Mary Washington. (Photo Credit Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)

Match Their Physicality:

Mary Washington isn’t Randolph-Macon, but they’re still a heavyweight. They’re #15 in the nation, they’ve won in March, and they play a connected, physical brand of basketball. Their guards attack downhill, their wings finish through contact, and their system punishes slow rotations. If the Macs don’t communicate, stay attached, and rebound like their season depends on it, they’ll get overwhelmed again.

Take Care of the Ball — or Don’t Even Bother Showing Up; 

UMW’s defense forces mistakes, and the Macs have already coughed up 49 turnovers in two games. You cannot beat a ranked team while handing them extra possessions. The offense must slow down, value the ball, and simplify decision-making. No careless passes. No soft catches. No wandering dribbles. If they don’t clean this up, the game will be over before it starts.

A Samet Sunday: 

This is a veteran group on one last ride, not a rebuilding team learning the ropes. After the worst game of his Macs career, Zevi Samet needs to come out firing, composed, and assertive. When he’s right, he lifts everyone around him. The seniors have to set the tone — emotionally, physically, and competitively. Pride, urgency, and identity start today. 

It’s only the third game of the year on a mid-November Sunday, but Mary Washington is the perfect test: tough, disciplined, tournament-proven. If the Macs want this “one last ride” to mean something deeper than nostalgia, these are the games where you prove it. These are the moments where identity is built. These are the afternoons that echo in February and define March. The opportunity is right in front of them.The question is whether they take it. We will find out this afternoon.

Game Info:

Tip-Off is at 2PM. You can watch the game here