NEW YORK, NY – The men's basketball team traveled to Purchase for the 2009-10 season opener and came home a winner, defeating the Panthers 61-55.  The Macs held a 33-25 edge at the half, and played to a near even 28-30 second half score. 

Yeshiva took an early 5 point lead less than five minutes into the game, after a three pointer by Martin Leibovich.  But the Panthers mounted a comeback and took a 4 point lead of their own at the 10 minute mark, then expanded it to as much as 7 with just under 7 minutes to play.  The Macs' defense stepped up and held the Panthers scoreless over the next 6 minutes, and regained a 6 point lead, once again capped by a three pointer, this time from Omer Haim.  Purchase scored only one more point before the half, as Yeshiva ended the final 6:43 with a 16-1 run for the 33-25 lead.

Yeshiva would take a 9 point lead at the 15:00 mark (the largest of the game), and were able to keep the lead the rest of the way.  Purchase pulled to within 2 on a few occasions, but the Macs never gave in, and held an 8 point lead with 2:27 to play.  However, Purchase was able to pull within 2 with 23 seconds to play, but Alex Claster connected on two free throws to push the lead to 4, and essentially seal the game.  The Macs never trailed in the second half, and held the lead for 24 straight minutes including the end of the first half.

Simon Brookim led the Yeshiva scoring with 17 points on 7-10 shooting from the field.  Omer Haim followed with 13 and Martin Leibovich ended the game with 12.  Eight players played more than 11 minutes and the Macs shot 52% from the field and 41% from behind the arc.

Up next for Yeshiva will be CCNY on the road Thursday at 8PM.  The team will resume conference play the following Tuesday at home against Bard at 8PM.