The New York University women's basketball team traveled to Northampton, MA, and defeated host Smith College 59-48 on Sunday, November 25.

The Violets (2-1) got off to a slow start in the contest, falling behind quickly 8-2. However, NYU scored the next 10 points and went on to a 17-13 lead after the first quarter.

Janean Cuffee, who scored a career-high 25 points, hit a three-pointer with four seconds left in the second quarter to expand NYU's lead to 33-24 at halftime.

"Jenean had the hot hand tonight. She can really shoot it," aid Head Coach Meg Barber. "But, credit goes to her teammates who did a good job finding her."  

The Violets increased their advantage to a game-high 12 points on two occasions in the third quarter before settling for a seven-point lead, 47-40, heading into the fourth.

The formerly-unbeaten Pioneers (4-1) kept chipping away and cut its deficit to three, 51-48, with 1:55 remaining. However, Olivia Linebarger hit a baseline drive and Annie Barrett connected on four free throws down the stretch as NYU held Smith scoreless the rest of the way. 

"We were in a situation where someone had to step up and score," Barber explained. "Then focused on getting stops and played really tough defense."

Cuffee made all five of her three-point attempts in the game while shooting 9-of-16 from the field overall. Barrett finished with 10 points and a team-high five assists, while Bianca Notarainni grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds.

"This was another team win for us," Barber added, "and it came against a very good, veteran team."

The Violets return to action this Wednesday, November 28, when they cross the Hudson River to face Stevens Institute of Technology. Tip-off is set for 5pm in Hoboken, NJ.