Box Score
Returning to the court after a 23-day hiatus, the New York University women's basketball team defeated Brooklyn College 63-51 on Friday, December 30, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
Idle since a 71-57 win over Manhattanville College on Dec. 7, NYU (6-2) showed its rust early in the contest, scoring only 23 points in the first half on 34.5% (10-29) shooting.
However, the Violets held Brooklyn (6-4) to19 points on 29.2% (7-24) in the period, so NYU's slow start did not cause any panic for head coach Stefano Trompeo.
“We were a little hesitant at first, not as aggressive as we should be or sure of what we wanted to do,” Trompeo explained. “The long break in December helped contribute to those things.”
One Violet who seemed to be unaffected by the time off was
Cara Bonito, who scored 12 of her season- and game-high 17 points in the opening 20 minutes, connecting on five of eight shots in the session.
“Cara set the tone, doing what a senior captain does,” Trompeo said. “She has a 'refuse to lose' attitude and shows it whenever she's on the court.”
The second half had no resemblance to the first for the Violets. The home team quickly picked up the pace with a 12-4 opening spurt and never led by less than double digits the rest of the way.
The Violets were more accurate over the final 20 minutes, as well, shooting 47.4% (9-19). The Bulldogs continued to have their troubles from the floor, however, managing to shoot only slightly better (37.1%, 13-35) than they did in the opening period.
Bianca Storts, who had six points for the Violets in the first half, added 10 in the second half as NYU pulled away from its opponent.
“When 'B' gets aggressive and goes to the basket, it's awfully hard to stop her,” Trompeo said. “When she asserts herself like that it really helps the team.”
Shelby Coon also scored in double figures for the Violets, totaling a career-high11 points to go with her nine rebounds.
Makenzie Hirz collected a game-high 10 rebounds, while Bonito and
Tana Bertino each recorded a team-high four assists.
Tiffany Thompson led Brooklyn with 13 points and nine rebounds.
NYU, who never trailed in the contest, sported a game-high 18-point lead on two occasions in the second half.
“Overall, I was pleased with the way things went, especially on defense,” Trompeo said. “We've been stressing that since day one.”
The Violets return to the court on Monday, January 2, when they host Oswego State University at 1pm in the annual NYU New Year's Classic.
