In a battle of teams tied for first place in the ultra-competitive University Athletic Association (UAA), the New York University women's basketball team edged host Emory University 54-50 on on Friday, February 14, in Atlanta, GA.  

In a defensive struggle throughout, Annie Barrett's (Cambridge, MA/Buckingham Browne & Nichols) jumper with just under three minutes left put the Violets (17-4, 7-3) ahead 47-45, a lead they would never relinquish.

The rest of NYU's points came on free throws, as Janean Cuffee (New York, NY/The Lawrenceville School) made five and Brooklyn Shelton (Botetourt, VA/Lord Botetourt) added two as the Violets held off the Eagles (15-6, 6-4).  

NYU held on to an 18-16 lead after the first quarter, and after falling behind late in the second, was behind 29-25 at halftime.

The Violets continued to chip away throughout a low scoring third quarter, but still trailed by three, 40-37, heading into the fourth. 

Jenny Walker (Sausalito, CA/Redwood) opened the scoring for NYU in the final quarter, and a few moments later it was Walker's short jumper that tied the game 43-43. The teams then locked up once more at 45-all with 5:15 left to play before Barrett put NYU up for good. 

Walker finished with 20 points and shared team-high honors with Cuffee with eight rebounds. Cuffee (11) and Shelton (10) also scored in double figures for the Violets.    

"Jenny was a huge part of our game plan," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "She showed her power on the block and her versatility in scoring tonight."

Overall, NYU shot just 22-of-62 (35.5%) from the field, while Emory was held to 19-of-57 (33.3%). The Violets forced 17 turnovers in the win.

"It was a defensive battle and we were able to get key stops down the stretch," added Barber. "Our goal was to be in a position to challenge them in the fourth, and I think we had just enough gas in the tank to push us to the win."  

NYU and the University of Chicago, who meet next Friday, are now tied atop the UAA standings. But, the Violets' next game is in Rochester, NY, against the University of Rochester on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 2:00pm.