Box Score
The New York University women's basketball team began a stretch of three straight games against Top-10 opponents with a 58-45 loss to #5 University of Rochester on Sunday, January 15, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
The Violets (9-5, 1-2) held the Yellowjackets (13-0, 3-0), who entered the game as one of only six undefeated teams left in Division III, below 60 points for just the second time this season and just 36.2% (17-47) shooting. But NYU struggled even more offensively, converting on only 25.0% (14-56) of its field-goal attempts.
“We gave unbelievable effort – I was very proud of how we responded after playing so poorly on Friday,” said Violet head coach Stefano Trompeo. “We executed our defensive game plan, but Rochester's rotation is so deep that it's hard to keep up the same intensity and effort on offense.”
The loss began a brutal three-game stretch for NYU during which the squad will play three straight University Athletic Association (UAA) foes ranked in the Top 10. The Violets follow up the matchup with #5 Rochester by traveling to #2 University of Chicago on Friday, Jan. 20, and #8 Washington University on Sunday, Jan. 22.
The Violets (9-5, 1-2) held an early edge against the Yellowjackets, taking a 10-7 lead 5:21 in on a pair of
Erica Franke free throws. But Rochester then scored 23 of the game's next 30 points – a stretch during which nine different Yellowjackets scored – to build a huge 33-14 lead.
NYU responded by closing the half on a 7-0 run, including a
Whitney Hooper bucket just before the final buzzer, to cut the deficit down to 33-21 entering the locker room.
The Violets pulled to within seven with 12:58 to play after
Melissa Peng made a steal and found Hooper for a fastbreak layup. But Ally Zywicki responded with a three-pointer to put the Rochester lead back at double digits. NYU would get no closer than nine the rest of the way.
“We didn't have enough energy to carry over from defense to offense,” commented Trompeo. “That's why we didn't shoot great and why we couldn't get over the hump. Plus, they're a great team – you can only hold them off the board for so long.”
Cara Bonito led the Violets with 12 points, while
Shelby Coon narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Bianca Storts added six points, eight boards and four assists.
Kristyn Wright paced the Yellowjackets with 12 points. Jackie Walker totaled nine points and seven rebounds, while Jodie Luther had eight points and five boards.
NYU continues its tough stretch at Chicago on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm central standard time.
