A clutch three-pointer by Zay Freeney and another double-double for Bobby Hawkinson lifted the New York University men's basketball team to a 77-73 overtime victory over the University of Chicago on Sunday, February 20, at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY.

It was the fifth straight win for the surging Violets (14-9, 4-8), and fourth straight within the University Athletic Association (UAA). 

"Today was the total and complete definition of finding a way to win when not necessarily playing you best," said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "Our program's resilience has been awesome to be a part of." 

The Maroons, whose four-game winning streak was snapped, fell to 10-13, 5-7. 

In a game that showcased numerous lead changes, neither team was able to grab a double-digit lead.

NYU trailed 68-65 in the final minute of regulation. But, Freeney's three-pointer with just four seconds remaining sent the game into overtime.

Hawkinson, who finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds for his 19th double-double of the season, scored the Violets' first five points of overtime. His layup with 2:27 left in the extra session put NYU ahead 73-72, a lead they would never relinquish. Cinque Stephens' layup with just under a minute left, followed by two free throws from Nick Macarchuk with eight ticks remaining, sealed the victory for the red-hot Violets. 

"We have finally locked in on executing our game plan for 40 minutes on both sides of court, and the results are showing that," Hawkinson said. "A lot of hard work on the court and in the weight room, teammates getting me the ball in great positions and believing in me, and the play-calling by the coaches have been the reasons for me being able to step up my game."  

NOTABLES:

- Freeney finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. 

- Hawkinson led the Violets with five assists.

- Nikola Lipovic also produced a double-digit scoring effort with 13 points.

- Holt Bashinsky contributed nine points, six rebounds and two assists.

- Riley Demps recorded four steals.

- NYU's biggest lead of the game was six points (9-3), while the Maroons led by as many as eight (24-16).

The Violets complete their home season when they host Brandeis University on Friday, February 25, at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility. Tipoff is set for 6:00pm.