The New York University men's basketball team raced out to a 22-2 lead and never looked back en route to 66-28 victory at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford on Wednesday, January 2, in Bradford, PA.

With its third-straight win, NYU completed its non-conference schedule with a 6-5 record, while the host Panthers are now 2-8. The 28 points allowed by NYU were the least since the University began competing at the NCAA Division III level in 1983-84.

"It was a point of emphasis to get out in front early and play well defensively," said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "I thought we succeeded in both areas today."

Bobby Hawkinson scored seven points and grabbed nine rebounds in the first half as the Violets held Pitt-Bradford to just eight points on 4-of-32 (12.5%) shooting. 

NYU led 26-8 at the break and opened the lead up to a game-high 40 points late in the second half, before ultimately winning by the 38-point margin.

Hawkinson completed the double-double, his second of the season, in the second half, finishing the contest with game-highs of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Eleven different Violets scored in the win including Cade Hoppe, who joined Hawkinson in double figures with 11 points.

"We need more balance in our scoring numbers from all five positions on the floor," added Nelson. "We improved in that area today, but there is definitely still work to be done."

The Violets return to the court on Saturday when they travel to Waltham, MA, to begin University Athletic Association (UAA) play at Brandeis University. Tip-off against the Judges is slated for 3pm. 

"As we prepare for Brandeis on Saturday, we are going to focus on taking better care of the basketball," concluded Nelson. "If we are going to compete in the UAA, we need to improve our turnover numbers."