The New York University men's basketball team was defeated 56-52 by host Brandeis University in both teams' University Athletic Association (UAA) opener on Saturday, January 5, in Waltham, MA.

With the loss, NYU (6-6) saw its season-long three-game winning streak snapped, while the Judges improved to 8-3.

"In league play, you have to be able to execute and win the intangibles." said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "I thought we failed to do that at certain points today."

The Violets led by four, 27-23, at halftime, before the hosts took their first lead of the game, going ahead 32-31 on a Lawrence Sabir jumper at the 15:01 mark. 

A jumper from Cam Moore with 8:09 to play put NYU back in front 41-40, but Brandeis answered with four-straight points and never relinquished its lead the rest of the way. 

"There were still many positives to take away from today," added Nelson. "We limited our turnovers and held Brandeis to only two three-pointers."

The Violets took care of the basketball in Saturday's loss, turning it over only 12 times, and held the Judges to 34.6% (18-of-52) shooting from the field. NYU shot 31.6% (18-of-57) from the field, including 21.4% (3-of-14) from long range.

Dom Cristiano recorded his sixth double-double (game-high 16 points, 11 rebounds) of the season to lead the Violets in the losing effort. Moore also had a solid game offensively, scoring 14 points.

Collin Sawyer paced the Judges with 13 points.

The Violets return to action on Friday, January 11, when they travel to Cleveland, OH, to take on Case Western Reserve University. Tip-off against the Spartans is slated for 8pm.