In a high-scoring matchup between two top teams in the Skyline Conference, the Merchant Marine Mariners knocked off the Yeshiva Maccabees 85-79. The Mariners took the lead midway through the first half, and despite numerous comeback attempts by the Macs, were able to maintain the lead the rest of the way and hold on for a crucial conference win.
It took a couple minutes for Merchant Marine to get going, but they eventually found their groove and took a seven point lead four minutes into the game thanks to a Bryce Bristow layup. The Macs kept pace and cut the lead down to one on a Zevi Samet three with 4:54 remaining in the half. The Mariners were unfazed, building the lead back up to ten, heading into the break up 43-33.
The second half was eerily similar to the first, with the Mariners leading by a large margin early on and the Macs working hard to get back in the game. The lead ballooned to 12 at a certain point, but with 4:56 left in the half, Samet knocked down yet another three to bring the Macs within two of the Mariners. The Macs just couldn’t get over the hump, however, and Merchant Marine was able to escape with the victory.
Paint Battle:
This game was won in the paint, and Merchant Marine had the upper hand in that respect, scoring a whopping 50 points down in the key. The Macs scored a respectable 28 points in the paint, but it wasn’t nearly enough.
Blocked Shots:
Dominance in the paint didn’t just come offensively for the Mariners. They blocked 10 shots in the game while Yeshiva only recorded two. It’s tough enough to consistently knock down shots, but when the opponent gets their hands on the ball as frequently as Merchant Marine did, it’s difficult to score enough points to win games.
For Merchant Marine (10-9, 8-2):
Bryce Bristow led the way for the Mariners, shooting an incredible 10/11 from the field, scoring 22 points and grabbing 7 rebounds
Drew Zelescik scored 18 points to go along with 6 boards
Isaac Vencel chipped in with 14 points and dished out 5 assists
For Yeshiva (10-9, 7-3):
Zevi Samet was lights out from downtown, hitting 8 of 14 three point attempts en route to a 32 point day
Max Zakheim continued his solid play, putting up 16 points and 6 rebounds
Matan Zucker stuffed the statsheet with 8 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists
Up Next:
The Macs host Sarah Lawrence College on Tuesday night at the Max Stern Athletic Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM.
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