The New York University men's basketball team was defeated 85-75 by the University of Rochester on Friday night, February 6, in Rochester, NY.
With the loss, NYU (13-6, 4-4 University Athletic Association) drops the regular-season series to the Yellowjackets (8-11, 4-4 UAA) 2-0.
The Violets had a nice all-around game, shooting 48.1 percent (26-of-54) from the floor and 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from three-point range. However, Rochester edged NYU slightly, going 25-of-48 (52.1 percent) from the field, including 11-of-21 (52.4 percent) from beyond the arc. The Violets were 17-of-24 (70.8 percent) from the foul line, while the Yellowjackets were 24-of-31 (77.4 percent).
"Well, it was a challenge defensively the entire night. They spread us out and we got behind early but kept trying to fight back," said NYU Head Coach
Joe Nesci. "I though we showed good character by staying competitive. We had a couple of chances when we got the defecit down to around five points, but Rochester made some tough shots and made foul shots. We've got to give them credit. But, I'm glad our guys stayed with it and fought right to the end."
The contest was back and forth for most of the first half until Rochester broke out on a 19-7 run to take a 14 point lead with 2:09 left until the break. NYU did manage to close out the half on an 8-2 run, extending it 11-2 to start the second half, but the Yellowjackets were able to match the Violets point for point for the remainder of the game. Rochester outscored NYU 44-43 in the second half.
HIGHLIGHTS:- Hakeehm Harris led the attack for the Violets, dropping in a team-best 20 points and shooingt a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line.
"Hakeem did a good job of keeping us in the game by getting to the basket and drawing some fouls," continued Nesci.
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Evan Kupferberg was NYU's second-leading scorer, chipping in 15 points on 6-of-9 from the floor to lead the Violets' 36-20 points in the paint advantage. The junior forward also grabbed a game-high-tying seven rebounds and dished out three assists.
"Evan's inside play kept us in the game, as well," said Nesci.
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Ross Udine was the other Violet to score in double figures, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists.
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Costis Gontikas and
Alec Papesch contributed for NYU, as well. Gontikas chipped in nine points while pulling down six boards, and Papesch totaled seven points and three rebounds.
"We've just got to get ready to execute and play well on Sunday against another tough team. That's the way it is in this league," Nesci said.
The Violets will return to the court on Sunday afternoon, February 8, when they face #14 Emory University on the road in Atlanta, GA. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 pm and
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