Box Score

In its final non-conference contest of the season, the New York University women's basketball team began the game on a 19-0 run and never looked back, earning a 74-54 victory over Hunter College on Tuesday, January 11, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.

The Violets (7-5) did not allow the Hawks (4-10) to get on the board until Kristen Markoe hit a pair of free throws at the 12:47 mark. Meanwhile, NYU used a fast-paced transition game to score early and often, eventually building a 43-6 lead 15 minutes in.

“Our transition game, offensive execution and defensive execution all were working well in the first half,” said head coach Stefano Trompeo. “We shared the ball well and took good shots. It was a fundamentally-sound first half.”

Cara Bonito led the way in the Violets' high-flying first half, scoring nine points while shooting 3-for-3 from the field. NYU entered halftime leading 49-16 after shooting 48.7%.

Bonito again led the way in the second half, finishing with a career-high 20 points to go along with four assists and four steals.

“Cara was tremendous – she pushed the tempo and made good decisions,” commented Trompeo. “People will look at her 20 points, but she did a great job on defense, too.”

With the large halftime lead, NYU was able to give significant second-half minutes to its younger players. Diana Leondis made her collegiate debut and scored his first career points, while Tori Sartain logged a career-high 15 minutes.

“We limited the starters in the second half and gave some of the youngsters a chance to play,” noted Trompeo. “It's good for them to get a chance to play together and get some experience.”

With most of their regulars on the bench, the Violets kept the lead in double digits the entire second half, letting it slip no lower than 17.

In addition to Bonito's big night, Kelly Loughney narrowly missed a double-double, scoring 11 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Chrissy Kilmurray added seven rebounds and a game-leading four blocks.

Shamar Stewartson led Hunter with 15 points and six steals. Markoe posted a double-double with 14 points and 14 boards.

NYU returns to the hardwood on Friday when it travels to UAA foe Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.