It was another tough night for the Maccabees. Taking on their second nationally ranked opponent in as many games, Yeshiva couldn’t keep pace with #7 New York University, falling 89-53 in Manhattan.
Yeshiva were seeking to rebound after being punched 84-43 by #5 Trinity on Sunday, but it was Deja vu. The night wasn’t without its bright spots. Max Zakheim led the team with 15 points, continuing his stellar senior season, while Jonathan Levy, a first-year player, showed promise with two blocks and two rebounds in limited action. But the Macs ultimately fell to 3-3, with the loss exposing the growing gap between them and powerhouse programs like the Violets.
Dothan Bardichev and the Macs were no match for #7 NYU in a 89-53 beatdown. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/Macslive)
How it Happened:
Akin to Sunday, for a brief moment, it looked like YU might hang tough. Early buckets from Zakheim and Luke Cronin kept things tight at 8-6. However, NYU’s offense caught fire, ripping off a 14-2 run to take control at 22-8 midway through the first half.
Effy Freundlich’s layup broke the drought, and the Macs clawed back to within eight points on multiple occasions, thanks to solid execution and hustle. But every time YU closed the gap, NYU responded with poise. By halftime, the Macs trailed 47-32, unable to contain the Violets’ fast scoring attack.
The second half began with a glimmer of hope, as Zakheim and Cronin continued to shine. But NYU caught fire and their lead ballooned beyond 20 points within five minutes. From there, it was a purple party, as the hosts showcased why they’re a top-10 team in the country.
Despite the lopsided score, fan-favorites like Hillel Baynash and Ezra Sicklick managed to get on the board late. But by the time the final buzzer sounded, Yeshiva was left searching for answers in the wake of an 89-53 defeat.
No Offensive Firepower Beyond Zakheim:
Max Zakheim did his best to keep the Macs afloat, leading the team with 15 points. However, the rest of the offense struggled to find its rhythm. Yeshiva shot inconsistently, with no other player reaching double digits in scoring. Without secondary contributors , the Macs were soon seeing purple faster than NYU could even get a sniff of YU blue.
Defensive Breakdowns Against an Elite Offense:
NYU’s offensive execution was clinical, as they consistently found open looks and attacked mismatches. The Macs had no answer for the Violets’ ball movement, allowing them to build and maintain a double-digit lead throughout the rout. Yeshiva's inability to string together stops made it nearly impossible to mount a comeback.
Lack of Physicality and Size:
NYU’s size and athleticism were too much for Yeshiva to handle, especially in the paint. The Violets dominated the boards and capitalized on second-chance opportunities. Yeshiva’s players were often outmuscled and struggled to match the physical intensity required to compete with a nationally ranked team.
Up Next:
The Macs head to Purchase College this Sunday, Dec. 15, for their first Skyline Conference matchup of the season. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM, and the team will look to bounce back against a more evenly matched opponent.
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