The New York University women's basketball team, ranked #5 by
D3hoops.com and #7 by the
USA Today, defeated Springfield College 72-49 in the second round of the NYU Tip-Off Classic on Sunday, November 22, at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
Kaitlyn Read led the way for NYU (3-0) with 22 points.
Amy Harioka added 12 points, five assists, two steals, and a block.
"I think Amy has continued to improve and grow," said Head Coach
Lauren Hall-Gregory. "She's really willing to take those big shots and stay composed under pressure."
NYU scored the first five points of the game, but Springfield (2-1) used an 8-2 run to take its only lead. The Violets then went on a a 7-0 streak to reclaim the lead.
Early in In the second quarter, with the score tied 23-23, the Violets went on a 7-0 run to take the lead for good.
NYU was ahead 36-32 at halftime and opened the third quarter on a 14-3 streak. Springfield managed to pull within nine points, 53-44, early in the fourth quarter before the Violets ended the game on a 19-5 streak.
"Our strength as a team and a coaching staff is keeping things simple," Hall-Gregory explained. "Obviously, we've scouted our opponents and know what they're trying to do. But, for us it's know what we do well and try to impose our will. I think we did a better job of that in the second half."
Heather Lewis led the Pride with 10 points.
HIGHLIGHTS:- Read also conrtributed four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
-
Megan Dawe scored nine points and added four rebounds for NYU, while
Liv Linebarger totaled seven points and four rebounds.
"At halftime we focused on how it was going to be our defense that would stop them and that communication would be key for us," Dawe said. "Once we started doing that we were able to take that advantage."
- NYU held Springfield to 19.2% (5-26) shoorting in the second half and 34% (16-47) overall.
-
Carolyn Hennecken made her collegiate debut for the Violets, scoring two points and collecting a rebound.
- Dawe, Harioka and Read wer named to the All-Classic Team.
"In those final minutes, where we could have had a close game or stretched out our lead, we took control and extended that lead. That's what I'm most proud of," Hall-Gregory said.
The Violets return to action this Wednesday, November 25, when they play at Baruch College in Manhattan. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.
