FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - The Yeshiva University men's basketball team dropped a Skyline Conference matchup to Farmingdale State, 69-56, on Tuesday night. The Maccabees remain in the fifth seed in the current conference standings.
 
Leading the way for the Macs (13-9, 9-5 Skyline) was senior forward Michael Berg, who produced a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, both team-highs, while forcing two steals. Sophomore forward Michael Hayon totaled 10 points, going four-for-five from the field, making both free throws and bringing down two rebounds.
 
Senior forward Dean Pienica started the Macs off less than a minute into the game by sinking two free throws to put Yeshiva up, 2-0. Rookie sensation Simcha Halpert nailed a three-pointer to put YU up, 5-4. After Berg's jump shot extended Yeshiva's lead to 7-4, Farmingdale State (18-6, 14-1 Skyline) scored six unanswered points to take the lead. Sophomore guard Judah Cohen drained a three-pointer to tie the game at 10, with 14:55 remaining in the half. The Rams went on a 9-2 run to take a commanding lead they would not surrender for the remainder of the contest.
 
Down 33-24 at the start of the second half, Pienica and Berg combined for back-to-back jump shots to pull the Blue and White to within five. After a stretch of both teams exchanging baskets, the Rams steadily increased their lead for the remainder of the contest and went on to earn the key Skyline win.
 
Senior forward Jordan Hod produced a game-high six assists.
 
The Macccabees will return to the friendly confines of the Max Stern Athletic Center on Thursday, for a Skyline Conference game against Mount Saint Vincent, beginning at 8:00 p.m.