FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The Yeshiva University women's basketball team earned a key Skyline Conference victory over SUNY Old Westbury, 72-50, at Nold Hall Athletic Complex on Sunday afternoon. Yeshiva advances to 4-5 in Skyline play (4-6 overall), while Old Westbury fall to 0-5 against league competition (0-7 for the season).

The key stretch of the game was a 16-2 run by the Maccabees to begin the second quarter that transformed a 17-14 edge by YU after one period of play into a commanding 33-16 Yeshiva hold with 4:26 left in the first half. The Macs led by double digits the rest of the way, and had a vantage as high as 24, on their way to the important league win on the road.

The Maccabees had balanced scoring as five players reached double figures in points. Senior guard Yuval Nitzan had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while dishing out five assists and forcing four steals. Junior guard Daniella Bessler netted 14 points, brought down five boards, delivered three assists, collected two steals, and blocked a shot. Junior guard Shai Rahamim produced 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds, and just as many steals. Senior forward Daniella Rothman scored 10 points, snatched eight caroms, and picked up four steals. Classmate Gabrielle Kupferman provided 10 points and five rebounds.

Yeshiva's defense held Old Westbury to just 30.2% (16-for-53) shooting from the field.

"Having all five starters in double digits scoring exemplifies sharing the ball on offense," Yeshiva University Head Coach Bill Zatulskis said. "They played great team defense, always looking to help a teammate."

YU fell behind in the early stages, 6-4, but then scored seven unanswered points to take the lead for good. Bessler began YU's blitz by converting a layup, and then Nitzan capped it off with a successful jumper from inside the paint to give the Macs an 11-6 advantage with 4:32 left to play in the opening period. The Maccabees held a 17-14 edge after 10 minutes of action.

Yeshiva took over the game in the second quarter by outscoring Old Westbury, 16-2, during the first 5:34 of the period. Four different YU players scored baskets during the blitz, including four buckets from inside the paint courtesy of sophomore guard Abigail Koenig. The run gave YU a decisive 33-16 benefit with 4:26 left to play in the first half. That put the game out of reach for the Panthers and propelled the Maccabees to their fourth conference victory of the season.

For Yeshiva, Koenig finished with nine points, a pair of assists, and a rebound. Rookie forward Mia Denti hit two free throws, grabbed just as many boards, and forced a steal.

For Old Westbury, freshman guard Tyela Davidson produced 14 points and five rebounds. Senior guard Melinda Harris generated three points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and a pair of steals.

It will be a quick turnaround for Yeshiva as the Maccabees will host the Beavers of The City College of New York, at ARC Arena, on Monday evening. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m.