For the first four minutes, it looked like we might have a battle. Yet once the Yeshiva University Maccabes found their rhythm, they never looked back, steamrolling Merchant Marine 92-70 in a much-needed conference win following their heartbreaking loss to Farmingdale last Wednesday.
How It Happened:
- Merchant Marine grabbed an early 16-11 lead, but that was their last moment of hope.
- YU flipped the switch with a 19-2 run, fueled by Samet’s deep-range bombs and strong inside play from Cronin and Freundlich. By halftime, the Macs were up 45-27 and completely controlled the festivities.
- The Mariners made a push, cutting the lead to 10 early in the second half, but that was as close as they’d get. Back-to-back buckets from Cronin and Samet pushed the lead back to 20, and YU cruised the rest of the way.
- With the game in hand, the second unit closed things out, locking in a dominant 22-point victory.
Led by 33 points from Zevi Samet, YU trounced Merchant Marine 92-70 in a Funday Sunday slugfest. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Zevi Samet Took Over:
When Zevi is locked in, good luck stopping him. He dropped 33 points, hit big shots whenever the Mariners tried to make a push, and ultimately dictated the game's pace. His shooting stretches defenses, opening everything else up for the Macs.
Cronin’s Breakout Performance :
We’ve been waiting for Luke Cronin to have a game like this, and he delivered in a big way. Career-high 20 points, five rebounds, and a physical presence inside that Merchant Marine had no answer for. When he’s playing with confidence, YU is a different team.
Total Team Effort:
It wasn’t just the Zevi show. Yoav Oselka (17 points, 8 rebounds) and Effy Freundlich (15 points, 6 assists)were everywhere—attacking the glass, making plays, and keeping the offense moving. The Macs shot the ball well, shared it even better, and never let Merchant Marine get too comfortable.
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