MTA LIONS Mangle VT WOLFPACK 71-41! Move on to T2 Finals

With a coveted spot in the Tier 2 Championship game on Sunday at the 2024 Memphis Yeshiva Invitational on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher in this semi-final matchup between the MTA Lions and the Valley Torah Wolfpack.

The game started off slowly, but once it picked up, there was no turning back. With the score tied early on, MTA began executing offensive plays, while Valley Torah focused on keeping up. MTA’s Jacob Abenaim was relentless, determined to rack up points as the game progressed. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack made it challenging for MTA to score, applying a full-court, man-to-man press. The first quarter ended with the MTA Lions leading 23-13.

The second quarter kicked off with Abenaim continuing his scoring streak, showcasing precision and dominance on the court. Valley Torah countered with strategic substitutions, maintaining high defensive intensity. Despite their efforts, the Lions extended their lead to 15 points with under five minutes left in the half. Abenaim’s impressive performance included three 3-pointers in the quarter, leaving the crowd in awe. The Wolfpack worked hard to execute offensive plays, attempting shots from the corners and cutting across the court, but the Lions remained firmly in control. By halftime, MTA held a 41-27 lead.

The third quarter began with a spark of hope for Valley Torah, as they scored the first two baskets. However, MTA quickly shut down their momentum with tight, man-to-man defense and relentless offense. Despite the Wolfpack’s resilience, they struggled to keep pace. Valley Torah’s Ben Mahgerefteh provided a momentary lift with a clutch 3-pointer, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. MTA, playing with the intensity of a team trailing by ten, extended their lead to a commanding 66-36 by the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter saw increased aggression from both teams as Valley Torah fought to narrow the gap. MTA, with their significant lead, rotated players to give fresh faces an opportunity to contribute while maintaining control. The Wolfpack continued battling until the final buzzer, but the Lions’ dominance was undeniable. The game concluded with a decisive 77-42 victory for the MTA Lions.
With this commanding performance, anticipation builds for how the Lions will fare in the Tier 2 Championship. Their tenacity and teamwork suggest this is only the beginning of what they’re capable of achieving.