The New York University men's basketball team was defeated by Farmingdale State College 67-59 at the NYU Holiday Classic on Friday, December 30, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan.

The Violets are now 5-4 this season, while the Rams improved to 5-5.

NYU led by as many as nine in the first half, taking a 16-7 lead with 9:53 left on a three-pointer by Joe Timmes. Farmingdale cut its deficit to three, 25-22, but the Violets extended their advantage to 31-25 at the break.

The Violets took a double-digit lead by scoring the first four points of the second half, but the Rams went on an 8-0 run to pull within 35-33. Cameron Moore's three-pointer at 15:23 finally ended Farmingdale's run

The Violets' lead was short-lived, however, as the Rams went on a 19-1 tear to take a 52-39 lead.

NYU produced a streak of its own and pulled within three, 60-57, on Moore's three-pointer with 2:24 remaining, but could not complete its late-game rally.

"We showed resiliancy. We showed some fight and were able to come back," said Assistant Coach Michael McSloy. "But, we turned the ball over too much and allowed too many offensive rebounds."

The Violets committed 23 turnovers in the game and were out-rebounded 48-39, with 18 of the Rams' boards coming off the offensive glass.

"Credit goes to Farmingdale. They are a talented team and a well-coached team," McSloy added. "We just didn't make enough shots tonight."  

Moore led the Violets with 17 points.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Jimmy Martinelli finished with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds for NYU. 

- Timmes contributed nine points and 12 rebounds.

- Ross Udine had a game-high six assists.

- Moore, along with Bates College's Marcus and Malcolm Delpeche, Farmingdale's George Riefenstahl, and Framingham State University's Bertholyn Alexandre were selected to the All-Classic Team. 
 
The Violets ring in the New Year when they host Wells College on Tuesday, January 3, at the Sportsplex. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.