The New York University women's basketball team won for the second consecutive day at the NYU Holiday Classic, defeating Washington and Lee University 69-66 on Sunday, December 30, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan. 

The Violets (7-2), who defeated Farmingdale State College 66-42 on Saturday, took an early lead vs Washington and Lee (6-5) on Sunday and never relinquished it.

After the Generals scored the first four points of the game, the Violets countered with the next 12 and never trailed again. Their advantage stretched to as many as 13 points before the Violets ended the first quarter with a 22-14 lead.

Washington and Lee pulled to within six midway through the second quarter, but NYU extended the lead to 10 points, 38-28, at halftime.

The Violets scored the first six points of the second half to open up a game-high 16-point lead. But, the Generals followed with nine straight points and eventually pulled within five, 51-46, before the quarter ended in favor of NYU 53-47.  

The Generals began the final quarter on a 5-0 run to cut their deficit to a single point.

Olivia Linebarger's layup snapped the streak and sparked a 12-5 run as the Violets regained an eight-point lead, 65-57.

"Liv was a workhorse out there, crushing it on the boards and keeping possessions alive," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "She also hit some clutch shots down the stretch to keep the advantage in our hands."

Washington and Lee continued to chip away and pulled within three on Jordan Diehl's layup with 39 seconds remaining.

On NYU's next possession, Katie Foos missed a three-pointer with nine seconds remaining. Annie Barrett grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled, but missed both attempts, giving Washington and Lee one last opportunity to tie the score. But, Taylor Casey was short on a potential game-tying three-pointer and the Violets held on for the victory.

The Violets have now won five straight.

"We haven't been relying on one person. Everyone who steps on the floor is playing a key role," Barber added.  

Foos finished with a game-high 22 points, while Janean Cuffee added 19. Linebarger scored eight points and had a game-high 13 rebounds. All three players were selected to the All-Classic Team, as was Erin Hughes of Washington and Lee and Rachel Tinkey of the University of Mount Union. 

Barrett finished with 12 rebounds and a game-high six assists. 

"This was a great team win and helps prepare us for the gauntlet ahead as we enter UAA play," Barber concluded.

The Violets return to action when they begin University Athletic Association (UAA) play on Saturday, January 5, at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. Tip-off is set for 1:00pm.