Box Score

For the second time in five days, New York University succumbed to defending Division III national champion, University Athletic Association (UAA) rival and #2-ranked Washington University.  On Friday night before 1,702 at the WU Field House, the Violets endured a 73-55 defeat against the Bears.

Last Sunday in Manhattan, NYU (13-6, 2-6 UAA) suffered a 67-56 setback against the first-place Bears (18-1, 8-0 UAA).

Richie Polan led the Violets with 11 points, including three three-pointers, while Keith Jensen and John Mish added eight points apiece.

Led by Aaron Thompson's (8-for-9 FG, 4-for-4 3FG) game-high 22 points, Washington pulled away in the second half.  NYU found itself down 39-33 with 18:47 left, but Thompson produced 11 straight tallies during a 13-4 run that put the Bears up 52-37 with 14:57.

Meanwhile, Tyler Nading went 7-for-7 from the floor and scored 15 points as the Bears outscored the Violets 36-14 on points in the paint.  Nading and Thompson often found themselves set up by Sean Wallis (13 points, 11 assists).

During the opening half, Polan hit three of NYU's five trifectas, with two coming during an 8-0 surge as the Violets weathered Washington's 17-7 opening burst to pull within 17-15.  However, the Bears created some separation with their inside play and took a 37-28 halftime advantage.

NYU shot 36.5% (19-for-52) overall, including 31.8% (7-for-22) from beyond the arc, while hitting 71.4% (10-for-14) of its free throws.  The Violets did own a 37-33 rebounding edge.

One bright spot for NYU was the play of rookies Ben Dorman and Andy Stein, who scored six points apiece.  Dorman's point total represented a career high, while Stein knocked down his first collegiate three-ball.

Washington hit 47.3% (26-for-55) of its attempts, getting assists on 21 of its baskets.  The Bears shot 40.0% (6-for-15) from three-point range and 62.5% (15-for-24) from the foul line.  In addition, they outscored NYU 16-2 in points off turnovers, forcing 18 Violet miscues while giving the ball away eight times.

NYU returns to action Sunday, Feb. 8, when it completes its Midwestern UAA swing in the Windy City against the University of Chicago at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.