NEW YORK, NY - Taking on their final opponent of the calendar year, the Yeshiva Women's Basketball Team fell to Eastern Mennonite University, losing to the Royals by a score of 70-63 on Sunday, Dec. 16.
 
Offensively, two Maccabees scored in double digits. Shai Rahamim led the way with 22 points, while Daniella Bessler came within just one rebound of her third consecutive double-double at 20 points and nine boards.
 
On top of their shooting prowess, both Bessler and Rahamim had stellar games on the defensive side of the ball, helming the team at three steals apiece.
 
With the loss, the Macs are now 0-11.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Maccabee offense struggled throughout the first quarter. Managing just seven points to EMU's 20, the Maccabees went into the break trailing by 13 points.
   
• Finally finding their rhythm, Yeshiva exploded in the second quarter. Shot after shot from Tali Cohen, Simone Amkraut, Bessler and Rahamim sliced into the Mac deficit, finally lowering it back into the single digits with 1:11 remaining in the period. Yeshiva continued to push, ultimately trailing by just six points at the half at 34-28.
   
• Maintaining their offensive momentum through the break, Yeshiva buckets repeatedly drilled into EMU's advantage to kick off the second half, with a Bessler jumper eventually recapturing the lead for the Maccabees at 37-36, their first since the first quarter. This edge would last through the next five minutes of play, but would not survive the period. The Royal offense matched and then exceeded YU's production over the final minutes, leaving Yeshiva in a 51-46 hole going into the final period.
   
• The Maccabees continued to fight throughout the fourth, managing to draw within just three points at 62-59. However, the women in white and blue were unable to usurp the hold EMU had on the game, ultimately falling, 70-63.

 
MAC LEADERS

• Points: Rahamim (22), Bessler (20), Amkraut (8)
• Assists: Bessler (5), Amkraut (4), Cohen (3), Sigman (3)
• Rebounds: Bessler (9), Cohen (6), Sigman (6)
• Steals: Bessler (3), Rahamim (3), Cohen (2), Sigman (2)

 
UP NEXT
Not hitting the court again until 2025, the Maccabees will next take on St. Joseph's University Brooklyn on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 5:30 PM.