The Max Stern Athletic Center was rocking as Alon Jakubowitz threw down a two-handed slam to put the Macs up 95-59, icing YU’s first home win of the 2021-22 campaign. The Macs put together a complete team win, dominating the glass and winning the assist battle, on their way to their 39th straight win and a 3-0 start to the season. Gabe Leifer secured his 1000th career rebound and led all players with 15 total boards. The Macs faithful were treated to a 27 point performance by Ryan Turell, as well as impressive efforts by Ofek Reef and Ethan Lasko, who had 18 and 14 points respectively.
How it Happened:
Jordan Armstrong’s putback layup gave the Macs a 2-0 lead on the first possession of the game.
The Warriors responded by hitting three three-pointers over the course of an 11-4 run to take an 11-6 lead with 16:25 to go in the first half.
The Macs answered with an 11-0 run capped off by a Reef layup with under 14 minutes to play in the half.
The Macs continued to extend the lead throughout the half. A Turell dunk followed by an Eitan Halpert three-pointer gave Yeshiva a 47-29 lead at the four minute mark in the first half.
Reef’s three-pointer with 48 seconds left in the half put the Macs up 55-37.
The teams traded baskets for the first 10 minutes of the second half.
After a timeout by Coach Elliot Steinmetz, the Macs went on a 17-0 run, putting them ahead 89-55 and putting the game out of reach. Turell and Lasko combined for 12 of the 17 points.
With 2:30 remaining in the game, Jakubowitz threw down a two handed dunk off a gorgeous feed from Ryan Bokor to put the finishing touches on a Yeshiva win.
Paint Domination:
The Macs have scored at least 50 points in the paint in each of their first three games this year. Tonight, they put up a season-high 60 points in the paint. By consistently getting great looks at the rim, YU is opening up shots for guys on the perimeter. The Macs also won the rebounding battle 52-27 including 11 offensive rebounds.
Staying out of foul trouble:
The Macs picked up just three fouls in the first half. Their first personal foul did not come until 12 minutes into the game. This allowed the Macs to be at full strength and build a significant lead going into the half.
Ball movement:
The Macs recorded their season high in assists tonight with 30. 73.1% of their baskets came off of assists. They got great looks throughout the game due to their constant off-ball movement and their willingness to find the open man. Perhaps Ethan Lasko was on to something earlier this week when he tweeted “assists are more satisfying than points.”
For Eastern Connecticut State:
Cory Muckle led the way with 17 points and five rebounds.
The Warriors were held to 36% shooting from the field and 34.5% from the three.
Tyreice Woods had 12 points and 3 steals.
Thomas Close had 10 points on 2-6 shooting from behind the arc.
For Yeshiva:
The Macs connected on 5 of their 8 attempts from behind the arc in the first half.
Yeshiva shot 55.4% from the field and 38% from the three.
Ryan Turell led the Macs with 27 points and 7 rebounds.
Gabe Leifer had a typical “Gabe Leifer” stat line with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Ethan Lasko had his best game as a Maccabee, scoring 14 points while dishing out six assists.
Ofek Reef continued his strong start to the season, scoring 18 points in 31 minutes.
Up Next for the Macs:
Yeshiva will travel to Patchogue, NY, to open their Skyline Conference schedule against St. Joseph’s College - L.I. The game is scheduled for Sunday, November 14, at 1:00pm.