The New York University Men's Basketball Team had its five-game winning streak snapped, 76-72, by Brandeis University on Friday, February 25, at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.

Playing in their final home game of the season, the Violets (14-10, 4-9) led only once, early in the second half, but could not stop the Judges (14-9, 5-7) from winning their third straight contest.

NYU trailed by as many as nine points in the first half, but rallied to trail by only one, 29-28, at halftime.

The Violets took their only lead of the game, 32-31, on Nikola Lipovic's three-pointer with 17:22 remaining. 

Brandeis then embarked on an 18-7 run to take its first double-digit lead, 49-39.

NYU crept within four, but another streak lifted the Judges to a game-high 11-point lead, 59-48, with 6:33 to play.

Again the Violets fought back, and Bobby Hawkinson's two free throws with just over five minutes left brought NYU to within 59-54. 

But, the Violets didn't get any closer until Zay Freeney's three-pointer ended the contest as the their home season and winning streak came to an end.

"I thought tonight we had some great looks that didn't go down and we gave up very timely offensive rebounds which hurt us," said Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "We look forward to the opportunity to compete again on Sunday."

Hawkinson, who scored a career-high 36, entered the Violets' penultimate game with 960 career points and now needs only four to become the 31st player in program history to reach the 1,000-point scoring plateau.

Prior to the game, NYU honored its five graduating seniors: Hawkinson, Riley Demps, Nick Macarchuk, Alex Maticiuc, and Harrison Whatley.

"Our five seniors have elevated our program, and their impact will be felt for years to come," Nelson added. "Their grit, commitment and resiliency are admired and appreciated."

NOTABLE:

- Hawkinson also contributed 17 rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal.

- Freeney and Lipovic each scored eight points. Freeney also had a team-high three assists.

- Nolan Hagerty led four Judges in double-figures with 21 points.

The Violets and Judges will play the second half of this weekend's home-and-home series on Sunday, February 27, in Waltham, MA. Tip-off for the season finale is set for 1:00pm.