In the final regular season game of the 2023 season at the Max Stern Athletic Center, the Yeshiva Maccabees knocked off the Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins 83-75. The Macs were shaky to start the game, but eventually found their groove and comfortably secured the win on Senior Night.
It wasn’t the prettiest beginning as the five seniors on the team, who haven’t played many minutes together this season, struggled to create chances on the offensive end. Even after the usual starters entered the game for the Macs, the teams stayed neck-and-neck throughout the first half, with the Macs eventually taking a five-point lead into the break thanks to a Dothan Bardichev putback at the halftime buzzer.
The second half was taken over by the trio of Max Zakheim, Zevi Samet, and Oren Betesh. They consistently drove to the basket for layups and found open looks from deep to keep the Macs ahead and in command for the entirety of the second half. The Dolphins threatened their lead repeatedly, but the Macs found their touch when they needed it the most and hung on for an eight-point victory.
Creating Open Looks
The Macs shot a decent 38% from deep in the game, but their ability to find open shots throughout the game was more important, especially heading into the season's final stretch. Very frequently this season, the motion offense has had its issues, but if the Macs can create the looks they got tonight in their next few games, they should be in good shape.
Turnovers
A big issue tonight for the Macs was their inability to control the ball, turning it over 18 times. If this team wants to beat the top teams in the conference and make an NCAA tournament run, they will have to take much better care of the ball.
For Mount Saint Vincent (11-12, 7-7):
Joshua Cabezudo played a great game for the Dolphins, leading all scorers with 26 points.
DJ Tucker put up 16 points and six rebounds.
Dan Porcic added 12 points and six rebounds.
For Yeshiva (14-9, 11-3):
Zevi Samet led the Macs with 22 points and also grabbed five rebounds.
Max Zakheim had a great night, scoring 20 points, racking up seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists.
Oren Betesh continued his hot shooting, knocking down four threes en route to 18 points on the night.
Up Next:
The Macs travel to face Saint Joseph’s Brooklyn on Tuesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
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