The New York University men's basketball team defeated host Roanoke College 81-59 in the championship game of the Cregger Invitational on Friday, December 30, in Roanoke, VA.

The undefeated Violets only led by three, 28-25, at halftime. But, an early second-half surge propelled NYU to its 11th win in as many games this season.

A 14-6 run to start the second half gave NYU its first double-digit lead.

The Violets still led by 10, 51-41, before going on a 15-6 streak to put the game away.

NYU shot 50% (28-of-56) from the field and 51.4% (18-of-35) from three-point range for the game, but those numbers were bolstered by a hot second-half in which the Violets were 18-of-28 (64.3%) from the field and 13-of-20 (65%) from behind the arc.   

Spencer Freedman led the second-half charge, scoring 20 of his game-high 26 points over the final 20 minutes. He only missed one shot in the second half, going 7-of-8 overall and 6-of-7 from long distance en route to being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

He added three rebounds, thee assists and three steals in the contest.

"Spencer was on another level in the second half," said Head Coach David Klatsky. "He's proving to be one fo the best players in the country. His vision is off the charts, but he showed today he can also be a scoring threat."   

Zay Freeney, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, finished with 13 points, a team-high six rebounds and two assists. 

Cinque Stephens (10 points) also reached double figures for NYU. 

"I'm so proud of this group and the work they've put in," Klatsky added. "This tournament win was big for our program. To beat a team like Roanoke on the road shows what this team is capable of."

The Violets will put their unblemished record on the line when they begin University Athletic Association in 2023. NYU will travel to Waltham, MA, for a clash with Brandeis University on Saturday, January 7, at 3:00pm.