Yeshiva draws Bates in First Round of NCAA Tournament

Friday, the doors open at Montclair State University — and for the back-back Skyline Conference championed Yeshiva Maccabees, it's round one of the NCAA DIII Tournament, with an opportunity for validation.

After running through the Skyline at 19–0 and finishing the year ranked #45 in NPI with a 20-8 overall record, the senior group has earned the opportunity to win the program’s first March Madness tilt since 2020.

Yet in their way are the formidable Bates College Bobcats out of Lewiston, Maine. The Bobcats play in the NESCAC, widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in Division III basketball. Bates finished the year 18–8 overall, went 5–5 in NESCAC play, and advanced to the conference semifinals before falling to top-seeded Wesleyan University. Their resume earned them an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament — no automatic qualifier, no backdoor. They were good enough on their own merit.

Technically, they’re slotted as a 7-seed in the region and sit at #28 in NPI. However, geographically, with teams shifted to reduce travel, they’re functionally treated like a 5-seed and face YU, who’s a 12.

The Full Mens Basketball NCAA D3 Bracket shows Yeshiva as a #12 seed facing #5 Bates in the round of 64. (NCAA.com)

The Bobcats aren’t afraid to let it fly from deep — they space the floor, take a high volume of threes, and trust their shot-makers. Yet what truly makes them tough is what happens after the first miss. They crash the offensive glass relentlessly, turning broken possessions into second and third opportunities. That’s how they manufacture extra points and wear teams down. And if the game slows into a physical half-court battle, they’re completely comfortable there, grinding possessions and making every trip feel earned. Defensively, they’ll test YU’s patience when running their motion offense, and try to outmuscle them offensively.

Logistically, Montclair is essentially a home-road game, about a 30-minute drive from Yeshiva. Expect a strong navy-and-white presence in the stands. For Bates College, it’s a different story.

The Bobcats are coming from Lewiston, Maine — roughly 358 miles and close to a six-hour trip. Stay tuned to MacsLive for ticket, tip-off, and broadcast information.