Here we go. One game left. One shot at redemption. One chance to put the last 1,185 days behind them and carve out a new chapter in Yeshiva University basketball history. The 2025 Skyline Conference Championship is here, and the script was written last February. It had to be Farmingdale State. It had to be in their house. It had to be against the same program that has tormented the Macs for years, the one that ended their season in heartbreak just last February and who hasn’t lost to the blue and white since 2021.
Farmingdale’s gym has been a house of horrors for Yeshiva, where dreams have crumbled, and celebrations have been cut short. Last year’s final was a nightmare. An 87-68 loss was a statement by the Rams that they still owned this rivalry. The Macs walked off that court knowing they had miles to go before reclaiming their spot at the conference's top. This season, they returned more vigorous, experienced, and ready to take the next step. Yet the ghosts of Farmingdale haunted them again in January when Yeshiva came within one agonizing point 67-66 of finally breaking the drought. The Macs fought tooth and nail, clawing back from 15 down to get within two in the final moments, but a missed layup and a costly turnover sealed their fate.
Now, there are no more second chances. Sunday at 1 PM, YU gets one final shot to end the drought and bring the championship back to Washington Heights. The pieces are there. The growth is real. They are more equipped than ever to win this game. Yet the challenge remains the same. Beat the Rams.
Farmingdale State will throw everything at Zevi Samet, either face-guarding him all game or daring Yeshiva to adjust by sagging their big men and switching defenders up top. They might press full court, forcing the Macs to stay poised under constant pressure. They’ll play physically, trying to push YU into foul trouble, forcing them out of their rhythm. It’s what championship basketball looks like. It’s about taking the punches, adjusting on the fly, and finding a way to win.
Sunday’s matinee is the moment Yeshiva has been building toward all year. The loss in January showed that the gap has closed. Farmingdale no longer holds an overwhelming advantage—this is a winnable game if the Macs execute their keys.
The Macs can exercise their demons with a Skyline Conference title triumph over Farmingdale State on Sunday (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Start Fast:
The slow starts have to stop. The second-half lapses can’t happen. One lousy stretch flipped the last match, and avoiding that this time could be the difference between a championship celebration and another offseason of regrets. In the January game, Farmingdale opened up a 13-6 lead in minutes. It happened in last year’s final when the trophy was shined before YU could settle in. That shouldn’t happen again. The Macs must come out aggressive, set the tone, and make Farmingdale play from behind for once.
Survive the Second Half Storm:
Farmingdale always has that one stretch where they take over. Last time, it was early in the second half when they ballooned the lead to 15. Yeshiva made a furious comeback, but that stretch was too much to overcome. This time, when the Rams make their run, YU has to punch right back and keep the game within reach.
Seize the moment:
Last time, YU had their chances. Down two with just over a minute left, they got the stop they needed, but a missed layup and a turnover crushed them. That’s the difference between a championship and another offseason of regrets. The Macs must be locked in, trust their execution, and make the right plays down the stretch. If accomplished, they’ll finally celebrate on that Farmingdale court.
One game. One win. One championship is on the line. The past doesn’t matter anymore. The drought doesn’t matter for now. What matters is what happens on that court on Sunday. The opportunity is here. The moment has arrived. It's time for Yeshiva to finish the job.
How To Watch:
If you are unable to make it to the final, above is the livestream link from Farmingdale. Tip-off 1PM. Calling the game is WFAN’s Ray Martel.
Comments