The New York University men's basketball team was defeated by Brandeis University 72-69 in the final game of the 2020 season. The University Athletic Association (UAA) contest was held on Saturday, February 29, in Waltham, MA.

Graduating seniors Jimmy Martinelli (Glenview, IL/Glenbrook South) and Ethan Feldman (New York, NY/The Salisbury School) led the team in scoring in their final collegiate games. Martinelli finished with 20 points, ending his career with a total of 979. Feldman, who ended his career with a 19-point effort, finished the 2020 season as NYU's leading scorer (13.9 ppg).

"Jimmy and Ethan left it all on the floor today," said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "They both have been outstanding teammates and great ambassadors for our program. They will both be missed." 

Both teams had leads early in Saturday's game, but Brandeis (17-8, 9-5) shot out to an nine-point advantage, 32-23, with just under five minutes left in the first. However, an NYU (6-19, 1-13) rally brought the Violets to within four, 34-30, at halftime.

Martinelli's three-pointer with 17:15 left in the game put NYU back in front, 38-36.

But, the Judges scored the next seven points, grabbing the lead for good and eventually increasing it to seven points at 57-50.

The Violets hung tough, and Nick Marcarchuk's three-pointer in the final minute brought NYU within one, 70-69.

Brandeis' Eric D'Aguanno hit two free throws with six seconds left and Martinelli could not connect on a potential game-tying three-pointer.  

Cade Hoppe (El Dorado Hills, CA/Oak Ridge) added 16 points for the Violets. Bobby Hawkinson (Frankfort, IL/Marist) led NYU with eight rebounds, while Martinelli and Macarchuk each had seven. Jaden Narwal (Vancouver, Canada/Collingwood School) contributed a career-high seven assists. 

"We came up two plays short today, but I'm incredibly proud of our fight and resiliency," Nelson added. "We fought through a lot of injury and adversity this season."