On December 16, in their second Motzei Shabbos game in the last three weeks, JEC went on the road and knocked off their rivals and formidable opponents Ohr Yisroel by a score of 51-46.
A 7-0 Ohr run was bookended by a couple Thunder buckets, as JEC trailed 7-5 after one period. In the second quarter, the scoring took off. Reuven Rozehzadeh scored seven points himself in the period, but JEC more than matched that with 16 points in the quarter, highlighted by a couple 3s from Tani Gottlieb and Gavi Walzman. The Thunder went into the locker rooms up 21-19.
Both teams put up 13 points in the third quarter, as JEC went into the fourth up two. The energy in Chabad on the Palisades was palpable as both teams recognized that this game could have major playoff ramifications. JEC was able to maintain their lead throughout the fourth, but Ohr kept it close with eight fourth quarter points from Rozehzadeh and five from Yirmi Gross. However, 14 combined points from Yechiel Kadosh and Walzman enabled the Thunder to pull away with a big 51-46 win.
With the victory, JEC improved to 4-3 on the season, while Ohr fell to 4-4. Kadosh finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds; Walzman had 13 points and 12 boards. For Ohr Yisroel, Rozehzadeh finished with 22 points and Gross had 16 of his own. JEC hopes to keep their energy and momentum going as they make a push for a playoff bid.