NEW YORK – The nationally ranked No. 2 Yeshiva University men's basketball team extended its winning streak to 39 games by defeating Eastern Connecticut State, 99-69, at the Max Stern Athletic Center on Wednesday evening.

Gabriel Leifer eclipsed the 1,000-career rebound milestone during the first half. The Lawrence native becomes just the fourth player in program history to score 1,000 points and bring down 1,000 boards in a collegiate career. Leifer finished the evening with 13 points, a game-best 15 rebounds, and a game-high seven assists. Leifer now has 1,008 rebounds in his illustrious career.

"Gabe is special," Yeshiva University Head Coach Elliot Steinmetz said. "He's going to finish a great career here with incredible numbers that he doesn't care about."

The Maccabees got off to a slow start, falling behind by a score of 11-6. However, a 3-point field goal by Ofek Reef, and then a dunk by Ryan Turell, tied the game up. In fact, that sparked an 11-0 run that put the Blue and White in the lead for good. Reef capped off the run with back-to-back layups.

With Yeshiva up, 32-20, Leifer brought down his seventh board of the game off a missed shot from the opposition for the 1,000^th rebound of his collegiate career with 8:19 left to play in the opening half.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity I've been given to have the ability to get there," Leifer said. "It's not an individual milestone but it is a team milestone."

Yeshiva finished the opening half with six unanswered points to take a commanding 55-37 hold into the intermission.

The Warriors could not generate a consistent run in the second half to get back in the game, as Yeshiva pulled away to the impressive non-conference victory.

"Big team win tonight," Leifer said. "We definitely could be better, and have a lot of work to do, but we'll enjoy the win for now."

Steinmetz echoed Leifer's comment. "Happy to get the win but we need to defend better, especially against a strong shooting team like Eastern Connecticut State."

For the Maccabees, Turell led all scorers with 27 points, while bringing down eight rebounds and dishing out four assists. Reef tallied 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Ethan Lasko had a solid game with 14 points, six assists, and three boards. Fellow transfer Jordan Armstrong netted nine points and brought down five rebounds. Matan Zucker scored six points, and had just as many rebounds, while Eitan Halpert netted six points, dished out three assists, and snatched three boards. 

Yeshiva will open its Skyline Conference schedule on Sunday, with a matchup at St. Joseph's College Long Island, beginning at 1:00 p.m.