Take Yeshiva’s 78-69 loss to Mount Saint Mary and throw it out your nearest window. The score didn’t matter. With stars Zevi Samet and Max Zakheim both sitting out and the Macs locked into the #3 seed for the Skyline Conference quarterfinals, the night was more about celebrating seniors Ezra Sicklick, Effy Freundlich, and team manager Joel Weinstein than the final result. However, if there’s one takeaway from Saturday night, the Macs must tighten up their defensive execution before Tuesday’s playoff showdown against Purchase.
The packed house at the Max Stern Athletic Center brought the energy for Senior and Alumni Night, but it was clear the real focus was on the playoffs. Without their key playmakers, the Macs’ ball movement was a step slow, and their defense struggled to contain Mount Saint Mary’s outside shooting. Still, with several role players getting extended minutes, it was a chance to build depth—and hopefully, better habits—with the postseason looming.
How It Happened:
Mount Saint Mary, playing its last game of the season, came out firing and jumped to a 15-4 lead. For their seniors, it was one last chance to shine, and they played like it. YU, meanwhile, looked sluggish early.
Tom Beza’s high-energy play in the paint sparked a run that cut the deficit to 16-12. Connor Cyran answered with a three from the top of the key to make it 21-12, and from there, the Knights kept raining shots from downtown, extending their lead to 33-17 with seven minutes left in the half.
Senior Ezra Sicklick gave the crowd something to cheer about with a three-pointer on his big night, but the Knights kept their foot on the gas. Ryan Graham’s triple made it 41-24, and Mount Saint Mary took a 41-26 lead into halftime.
Coach Elliot Steinmetz didn’t mince words at the break: “Very disappointing first half. Guys are taking it easy, which they shouldn’t be—not defending or moving the ball well. Hopefully, we will play full court defensively and change the energy level. We were trying to go deep tonight and get everyone in the game, but we expect better effort.”
The Macs shot just 10-for-31 in the first half, including 2-for-12 from three, with only six assists.
YU opened the second half with full-court pressure, which paid off early. A jumper from Roy Itcovichi and another from Luke Cronin cut the deficit to 11. Yet, Cyran’s dunk pushed the lead back to 47-32, and the Knights extended it to 51-34 before the Macs began chipped away.
Asher Falk’s putback bucket made it 58-52. Noam Edri powered through for an and-one, trimming the deficit to 66-61 with just over six minutes to play. The Knights answered, as Cyran drilled a three to make it 64-54, then sealed the game with an and-one that put Mount Saint Mary up 71-63 with 3:28 left. The Macs never got closer than six the rest of the way, falling 78-69.
The numbers tell the story: YU outrebounded the Knights 47-34 and outscored them 46-32 in the paint, but the Knights’ 19-4 advantage in steals led to too many easy points. The Macs shot just 2-for-20 from three, while Mount Saint Mary hit eight triples and went 20-for-29 from the free-throw line compared to YU’s 17-for-23.
The Macs dropped their regular season finale 78-69 to Mount Saint Mary on Saturday night. (Photo Credit: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Seniors Honored in Emotional Night:
Ezra Sicklick reflected on the night, saying, “The pregame ceremony was beautiful. I got emotional; the nerves got the best of me, but hitting that three felt good.” Effy Freundlich added, “YU’s a great time. Being surrounded by a bunch of friends and family is awesome. Great to have a fanbase supporting us.”
Missing his first game in three years, Zevi Samet shared, “It felt very sad and weird. All the guys on the bench support me every game, and tonight, I had the chance to support them. The seniors on this team are incredible. Joel Weinstein is the man—who handles so many things behind the scenes. Ezra and Effy push me daily in practice and help me emotionally, physically, and mentally. I love them.”
Coach Steinmetz explained, “We were trying to get everyone in the game tonight. They work hard in practice, but we expect better effort.” Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman closed the night by praising the team, stating, “Our student-athletes are the best role models for Yeshiva University. I love the crowd and am excited for the playoffs.”
It was also commentator Yosef Silver’s senior night as the legendary voice of the Macs shared he’s taking his talents to PWC in September. His passion and insight have always elevated the game, and he’s made a lasting impact on everyone who’s had the chance to listen to him on MacsLive.
Legends Return to MSAC on Alumni Night:
Legendary coach Jonathan Halpert, who recorded 416 wins over 42 years, returned to MSAC and reminisced in his mid game interview, “I have wonderful memories from coaching and love what YU stands for.” Lior Hod, ranked sixth in program history with 1,541 points, described MSAC as his “happy place.” Former Macs player Harold Perl who played from 1968 to 1972 under the legendary Red Sarachek, shared his experience: “We had to have thick skin—he was a perfectionist. But, he created two of the most common moves in basketball: the backdoor cut and the step-back three.”
Yet Akiva Poppers' words truly captured what it means to be a legendary coach. When reflecting on his first season coaching the top-ranked Ramaz Rams JV Basketball team, he said, “That’s a big responsibility. Personal and basketball development years. Help them in life and basketball.” Talking about their Tuesday evening playoff game against the mighty Magen David Warriors, Akiva was quick to recognize their strength, saying, “They’re better than their seed. That’s a tough team. I’ve watched 8.5 of their games and have learned every personal piece of information that I can.”
Poppers also discussed the coaching partnership with YU MacsLive Legend Ari Schopf, who he couldn’t praise enough. “We wouldn’t be where we are though without Ari. His ability to help in-game is incredible. Understanding what they’re doing, and having that second pair of eyes is so crucial.” He also acknowledged Ari’s contributions during practice, especially with their zone offense, and added, “He works so hard and is a great role model too.”
For Mount Saint Mary:
-Connor Cyran led the Knights with 24 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 10-19.
-Ryan Graham poured in 20 points, with six assists, four steals, and two blocks.
-The Knights shot 25-65, with 38.5%, from the field.
For Yeshiva:
- Or Sundjvsky led the Macs with 13 points and shot 7-9 from the field with 10 rebounds in 27 minutes.
- Luke Cronin added ten points in 16 minutes, shot 4-6, and grabbed 7 rebounds.
- The Macs shot 17-23 from the charity stripe and will enter the postseason leading the conference with a free throw percentage of 77.3%. They also lead the conference with a 45.5% field goal percentage and are the top offense in the Skyline, with 76.8 points per game.
UP Next:
Now it’s onto Tuesday. The regular season is in the books—the #3-seed Macs host #6-seed Purchase in the Skyline quarterfinals at 8 PM at MSAC. With Samet and Zakheim expected back, the focus shifts to making a playoff run. If the crowd’s energy on Senior and Alumni Night was any indication, Tuesday night should be electric.
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