The New York University women's basketball team opened its University Athletic Association (UAA) schedule with a 76-65 win over Brandeis University on Saturday, January 11, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan.

The Violets (11-1, 1-0) trailed after the first quarter, 15-14, but took the lead for good on Lauren Koyama's (Palo Alto, CA/Palo Alto) three-pointer with 7:49 to play in the second.

But, although the lead expanded to as many as 14 points right before halftime, the game was in doubt throughout.

"No one ever quits in the UAA," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "Brandeis is a veteran team and they are really good."

The Judges (10-2, 0-1) pulled to within three points, 49-46, at the end of the third quarter and got as close as 61-59 with just over four minutes left in the game.

But, Janean Cuffee (New York, NY/The Lawrenceville School), who scored a game-high 24 points, started a 10-2 NYU streak with two free throws and the Violets never led by less than eight the rest of the way.

"We played really strong at the end of each half," Barber explained. "Overall, we were only average offensively, but our defensive effort was terrific. We forced them into 22 turnovers and were able to get out in transition."

Brooklyn Shelton (Botetourt, VA/Lord Botetourt) added 19 points, a season-high eight rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist.

"She was great at both ends," Barber added.

Shelton connected on her first four free throws, extending her NYU record for consecutive makes to 37 before finally missing one in the last minute.

"I guess she'll just have to another streak," Barber quipped.

Lauren Gast (St. Louis, MO/Villa Duchesne) chipped in with eight rebounds, six points, two assists, and a block. Koyama finished with nine points and Jenny Walker (Sausalito, CA/Redwood) had eight.

"Our freshmen really held their own in their first UAA game," Barber added. "That's very impressive."

Camila Casanueva led Brandeis with 18 points.

NYU returns to action on Friday, January 17, for another UAA contest. The Violets will host Emory University at 6:00pm at the Sportsplex.