The New York University men's basketball team was defeated by The College of Staten Island 87-67 on Saturday, November 24, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan.

The host Violets (3-2) never led in the contest.

The Dolphins (1-4) went ahead by as many as 15 points, 27-12, in the first half before going on to a 39-27 halftime lead. It was a rough opening 20 minutes for the Violets, who committed 16 turnovers and shot just 36.4% (8-of-22) from the field.
 
After NYU's deficit reached 16, 49-33, early in the second half, the Violets went on a 9-3 run to pull within 10 at 52-42.

However, Staten Island scored the next nine points and NYU never got closer than 15 the rest of the way. The deficit reached as high as 25 points on several occasions.

The Violets finished the game with 26 turnovers, while shooting 36.4% (29-of-55) from the field and 14.3% (2-of-14) from three-point range.

"We can't beat anyone turning the basketball over 26 times," said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "We got what we deserved."

Dom Cristiano posted a double-double for the Violets with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Cade Hoppe and Cameron Moore each scored 10 points.

Jimmy Martinelli finished with nine points and six rebounds, while Riley Demps scored the first four points of his collegiate career.

"You have to give Staten Island a lot of credit. They were hungrier than us, quicker to the ball and played with more energy," Nelson admitted.

The Violets return to action this Tuesday, November 27, when they host Rosemont College. That contest is set to tip-off at 7pm and will be held at NYU's Brooklyn Athletic Facility.