GAMEDAY PREVIEW: Yeshiva @ Manhattanville

Just about two months ago, the Maccabees began their Skyline quest as a hungry and battle-tested group. After navigating a difficult out-of-conference schedule, the Macs believed they had developed the toughness and experience needed to make a deep run in the conference. It started with one win, then another, and then another, and slowly but surely, the victories kept coming. Following their strong win on Wednesday against Maritime, the Maccabees now sit at a perfect 12–0 in Skyline play this season. The last time Yeshiva finished a conference schedule undefeated was during the program’s historic 50-game winning streak season, and this group is hoping to add its own chapter to that legacy.

Sunday, the Yeshiva University Maccabees (13-8 overall, 12-0 Skyline) will look to extend their Skyline winning streak to 16 games, dating back to last season, as they hit the road to face the Manhattanville Valiants (10-10 overall, 5-6 Skyline).

The Maccabees are coming off an impressive all-around performance Wednesday night, powered by dominance in the paint and unselfish ball movement. Yoav Oselka once again led the charge with a monster double-double, finishing with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Zevi Samet provided his usual offensive firepower, adding 24 points and 6 rebounds, while Max Zakheim contributed across the board with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Roy Itcovichi added toughness inside with 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Yair Dovrat orchestrated the offense beautifully, dishing out 13 assists in one of the team’s strongest passing performances of the season. The Macs’ balanced scoring and rebounding presence allowed them to control the tempo and continue building momentum heading into tonight’s matchup.

Manhattanville is coming off a road victory over St. Joseph’s Long Island. For the Valiants, Wednesday night’s performance was defined by defense and leadership from their veteran backcourt. Manhattanville turned in a superb defensive effort, slowing the pace of the game and forcing difficult shots throughout the night. Senior guard Chris Robinson led the way offensively with 22 points, providing stability and shot-making when the Valiants needed it most. Manhattanville will look to bring that same defensive intensity and senior leadership into tonight’s game as they prepare to challenge the hottest team in the Skyline Conference.

Rebounding:

Larry Brown once said, “I feel all great teams have two things in common: defense and rebounding.” The Maccabees have embodied that philosophy throughout the season, consistently controlling the glass and limiting opponents’ second-chance opportunities. Over their last six games, the Macs have won the rebounding battle by double digits in five of them, a stretch that highlights their physicality and discipline inside. If that trend continues, it will go a long way toward a Skyline championship run. Tonight, they face a Manhattanville team that has struggled on the boards this season and enters the matchup on a nine-game rebounding losing streak. Look for the Maccabees to assert themselves early in the paint, clean the glass, and limit extra opportunities for a hungry Valiants team looking to make a final push towards the playoffs.

Strong Passing:

Yeshiva has done a phenomenal job this season finding the open man and creating easy scoring opportunities as a result. Whether through an expanded pick-and-roll playbook, sharp V-cuts, off-ball screens, or fast-break execution, the Macs have looked comfortable and in control with the ball in their hands. The quarterback of this offense has been Yair Dovrat. Dovrat ranks among the top 30 players in the country in assists, consistently setting up teammates and controlling the tempo of the game. For the Maccabees’ offense to keep rolling, look for him to continue orchestrating possessions and delivering assist after assist.

How to Watch:

Tip-off is at 12:00 PM at the Kennedy Gymnasium. You can also catch the game on Manhattanville’s Valiant Vision.