At 8 PM tonight, the Yeshiva University Maccabees (9-5, 7-1 Skyline) will continue their tough non-conference schedule by hosting the Hope Flying Dutchmen (6-3) in the Max Stern Athletic Center. The Flying Dutchmen were an elite team last year, making it all the way to the second round of the NCAA tournament. This is the first ever matchup between these teams, as the Flying Dutchmen are located all the way over in Holland, Michigan. The Macs are currently riding a strong 3 game winning streak and are coming off perhaps their best game of the season, which saw them break the century mark, beating St. Joseph’s-Long Island 101-88. The Macs will have to be at their best in order to continue their winning streak and close out 2023 with a victory.
The Macs will look to infuse "Hope" into their gym with a fast start against the Flying Dutchmen on Thursday. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Keys to The Game:
Perimeter Defense:
The Macs need to have lockdown perimeter defense to win this game. With the Flying Dutchmen possessing a huge height advantage over the Macs, players may be tempted to come down to the paint to help out on defense. The Macs will need to stay with their defensive assignments and not leave the perimeter wide open.
Rebounding:
The Flying Dutchmen are averaging just short of 41 rebounds a game, including 11 offensive rebounds per contest. The Macs meanwhile are averaging just 32 rebounds a game. The last time the Macs faced a similar height disadvantage was when they played Amherst, and they struggled to secure rebounds in that contest. Despite the mismatch in heights in this matchup, the Macs will need to play strong in the paint to not allow the Flying Dutchmen extra chances.
Offensive Spacing:
The offensive key for tonight is for the Macs to maintain good spacing on offense. With Dothan and Roy’s shooting skill, the Dutchmen will need to focus their defensive game plan on shutting them down. By spreading the floor, the Macs will aim to pull Hope’s big men—6’9” Gabe Quillan and 6’7” Tanner Wiegerink—out of the paint, and open up space near the rim.
How to Watch:
You can catch the game live in the Max Stern Athletic Center where tip off is scheduled for 8 PM, or you can watch the game on MacsLive.
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