The New York University Men's Basketball Team increased its winning streak to four games, defeating #17 Washington University in St. Louis 68-62 on Friday, February 18, at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY.

It was the third consecutive University Athletic Association (UAA) victory for the Violets (13-9, 3-8) and dropped the Bears (16-6, 6-5) to fourth place in the conference standings.

The Violets got off to a fast start, scoring the first seven points of the game and taking a 13-point advantage, 20-7, on Bobby Hawkinson's layup midway through the opening half.

But, the resilient Bears went on a 25-7 run and took a 32-27 lead before another Hawkinson bucket brought NYU to within 32-29 at halftime.

Wash U. increased its lead to a game-high six points at 36-30, but the Violets refused to fold. Still trailing 48-47 with eight minutes to play, a three-pointer by Nikola Lipovic put NYU ahead. That bucket was followed by a pair of free throws by Zay Freeney and another three-ball from Lipovic and the Violets never trailed again. 

"Our program's continued resilience and grit are exciting to see," said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

- Hawkinson finished with his 18th double-double of the season, totaling 17 points and 12 rebounds. He also dished out a team-high five assists.

- Double-figure scoring efforts were also produced by Freeney (17) and Lipovic (13). 

- NYU shot 52 percent (26-of-50) from the field.

The Violets are back on the court this Sunday, February 20, when they host the University of Chicago in another UAA contest. Tipoff at St. Francis is set for 12:00pm.