BRONX, N.Y. - The SUNY Old Westbury opened the 2023-24 season tonight as they faced off against the Maccabees of Yeshiva. The Panthers fell short to Yeshiva by a final score of 81-46. 
 
Tyela Davidson had a strong night for the Panthers. She led the team with 12 points in 29 minutes also tallying a block, a steal, and four rebounds. Kasiobi Okenwa led the team in rebounds on the night with 11. Okenwa also had five points. Phalan Smith had the best night defensively in the stat column for the Panthers as she recorded six steals and a block. 
 
First Year Irene Hapsis recorded her first collegiate basket, scoring three points and connecting from downtown on the Panther's lone three-point field goal.  
 
As a team, the Panthers finished the night with 43 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks. 
 
The Maccabees' strengths came from points off turnovers, and effectiveness in shot-making. Yeshiva shot 45 percent from behind the arc and connected on 48.5 percent of field goals. They also moved the ball well with 26 assists compared to Old Westbury's seven. 
 
The Panthers will turn their attention to their home opener as they take on the Knights of SUNY Geneseo. The game will be played in the Clark Center Gymnasium which is exciting for home fans, as there has not been basketball played on campus in nearly three years. Tip-off is scheduled for 12pm.