It’s not just another playoff basketball game. It’s an order of revenge. The Yeshiva University Maccabees head to Bronxville on Thursday night to face the Sarah Lawrence Gryphons in the Skyline Conference semifinals, and this one is personal. Twice this season, the Gryphons have ripped victory away from the Macs in soul-crushing fashion. First, it was the SportsCenter-worthy half-court dagger at the buzzer. Then, it was the 11-0 run in the final two minutes of the Gold Division final. Yeshiva has had enough.
The Macs know what they’re up against in the maiden postseason meeting between the two programs. Sarah Lawrence thrives in chaos, feasting on YU’s late-game mistakes in both regular-season encounters. The Gryphons are physical, aggressive, and relentless on the boards, punishing the Macs inside and making them pay for every lapse in focus. YU must match that intensity for 40 minutes—no let-ups, collapses, or buzzer-beater heartbreaks. That means controlling the glass, closing out on shooters, and, most importantly, executing down the stretch. The Macs have proven they can build a lead; now, they must prove they can keep one.
If there’s ever been a time for Yeshiva to make a statement, it’s now. Zevi Samet has been a Gryphon slayer all season, and he’ll need another monster night. Luke Cronin and Dothan Bardichev must own the paint, Max Zakheim has to set the defensive tone, and the entire team has to play with the kind of edge that says, “Not this time.” The road to the Skyline title is more onerous, but sometimes, the sweetest victories come after the most brutal defeats. Thursday night, the Macs get their shot at redemption.
The Macs invade Sarah Lawrence on Thursday for a Skyline Conference semifinal showdown. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Finish What You Start:
Twice this season, Yeshiva had Sarah Lawrence on the ropes—once erasing a 15-point deficit to take a late lead, and another time up by eight with two minutes left—only to let it slip away. That can’t happen again. The Macs need to play a full 40-minute game, not 38. That means intelligent decision-making late, no rushed possessions, and no defensive lapses. If they build a lead, they must keep their foot on the gas and close the door. Championship teams don’t just compete—they finish.
Win the Battle on the Boards:
Sarah Lawrence bested YU on the glass in both games by a combined 84-75. The Gryphons turned second-chance opportunities into momentum-shifters by a 36-24 margin. The Macs can’t afford to let that happen again. Luke Cronin, Dothan Bardichev, and Yoav Oselka need to be active, box out aggressively, and make sure every defensive stop ends with a rebound. If YU can control the boards, they will control the pace.
Make the Moment Yours:
There’s no getting around it—Sarah Lawrence has owned the big moments in this matchup. They’ve been the ones making the clutch shots, capitalizing on mistakes, and celebrating while Yeshiva walks off stunned. That has to change. The Macs must believe they’re the better team and play like it when the pressure is highest. No matter if Samet drills a three, Zakheim locks down a key defensive possession, or Cronin finishes strong inside, YU has to seize the moment—no more heartbreak—just one step closer to a championship.
How to Watch:
Tip-Off for a berth in the Skyline finals, will be at 7PM. Can’t make it to the game? No worries—we’ve got you covered! MacsLive will be broadcasting LIVE from Bronxville, bringing you all the action with Yosef Silver and Avery Stepner on the call. Huge thanks to Sarah Lawrence for allowing us to go live on the road.
no shot or game clock v sarah lawrence tonite.
have ur commentators compensate