The YU Macs quickly turned national D3 hoops heads with their stunning season-opening win over then #19 Mount Union in Ohio. They've climbed into the top 25 conversation, snagging a few outside votes in the latest committee poll. Now, they face another giant test: the fifth-ranked Trinity (CT) College Bantams, fresh off a Final Four appearance and sitting at 5-0 this season.
On Sunday in Connecticut, the Macs have a chance to rock the college basketball world to the core, but amassing this shocker will take everything they possess and more.
Yeshiva needs to be zoned from the tip. There’s no room for a Thanksgiving hangover. It’s a tilt that head coach Elliot Steinmetz has craved for years, a chance to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s elite. So, how do they pull this off? Let’s break it down.
Yeshiva Macs star Zevi Samet and head coach Elliot Steinmetz will look to lead Yeshiva to their most improbable win in program history against fifth ranked Trinity (CT) on Sunday. (Akiva Poppers/Macslive)
Defense and Rebounding Are Key:
Trinity is one of the best defensive teams in the country. If the Macs will hang with them, they’ll need to get stops consistently. Defense is non-negotiable.
Western New England nearly defeated the Bantams on Tuesday, losing a tight 60-57 match. Trinity is beatable, but only if you can grind them down defensively. You’re not beating them in a shootout. The Macs have to embrace a conservative mindset for 40 minutes to hang with the big boys.
In their victory, the Bantams leaned on junior Drew Lazarre, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Henry Vetter added 13 points and five boards, while Jarrel Okorougo chipped in 10 points and two blocks. Their dominance on the glass (40-29) and in the paint (20-10 points) were the difference. The big, mean, lean fighting machine will attack the Yeshiva from the opening tip and won’t back down.
Offensive Execution is a Must:
The Macs’ offense has been electric at times, like in their 88-75 win over Oglethorpe, where they shot 53.3% from the field and 81% from the free-throw line. If they can replicate that kind of efficiency, they’ll give Trinity a real fight. But it won’t come easy—the Bantams’ defense is a different animal.
The bigger concern? Yeshiva’s defense. Allowing 77 points per game won’t cut it against a team like Trinity. They’ll also need to handle Trinity’s press—a weak spot for the Macs this season. If they don’t figure that out, it could be a long night.
The Bottom Line:
All systems need to be firing for Yeshiva to pull off this upset. Defense, rebounding, breaking the press, and consistent offensive execution—it all has to come together. If the Macs can deliver, though, they’ll win this game and cement themselves as legitimate national championship contenders.
So, Macs fans, buckle up. It’s a game that could define the season. Let’s see what they’ve got.
How to Watch:
Tipoff is at 1PM. You can watch the game here
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