The New York University women's basketball team, ranked #8 in the nation, defeated Emory University 76-63 in its University Athletic Association (UAA) home opener on Friday, January 20, at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.

Jenny Walker led the Violets with a career-high 34 points. Her stat line also included 10 rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and an assist.

"My teammates just got me the ball," Walker explained. "They were setting me up for success."

Following a tight first quarter, Walker's layup with 1:46 remaining in the second gave the Violets their biggest lead of the half, 31-23.  

Walker had half of NYU's points (16) as the Violets took a 32-26 halftime lead. 

Emory pulled within one point midway through the third quarter, but NYU never relinquished its lead.

The Violets went into the final quarter ahead 48-43 and extended its advantage to 13 points, 63-50, on Caroline Peper's three-pointer with 5:39 to play.

The Eagles made a final run, cutting their deficit to five, 65-60, with 2:31 remaining. But, Peper hit another three-ball and Belle Pellecchia followed with a layup and Emory never got closer than eight the rest of the way. 

"We just had two losses on the road, and this tonight was just for everyone on our team," Walker said. "We are always going to bounce back in the NYU way, scratch and claw for every single win."

Pellecchia finished with 13 points, while Peper and Natalie Bruns each had 11. Bruns also contributed nine rebounds and a team-high six assists. 

Walker, who shot 16-of 25 from the field, was not surprised by her performance or the team's.

"That was for us," she said. "We're dogs." 

The Violets are back in action on Sunday for another UAA contest. NYU hosts #7 University of Rochester at 2:00pm at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.