Down by nine in the first quarter and two at halftime,
the #2-ranked New York University women's basketball team outscored John Hopkins University 26-8 in the third quarter and went on to a 74-54 victory on Saturday, November 11, as the Violets hosted the Scholars Classic at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.
NYU trailed 18-9 late in the first quarter and 22-17 heading into the second.
Still trailing by seven at 28-21, the Violets scored the next seven points to tie the game and was within 37-35 at halftime.
"We knew this was going to be a tough battle," said Head Coach
Meg Barber. "They have a lot of size and athleticism. I was thrilled to see us play for 40 minutes and not be fazed by being down early."
NYU did not trail for very long after the second half began.
Belle Pellecchia's jumper broke a 40-40 tie, igniting an 8-0 NYU run.
The Violets never trailed again.
The lead ballooned to 61-45 after three quarters and lengthened to as many as 22 in the fourth.
Pellechia was one of three Violets to record double-digit rebounds, finishing with a game-high 14.
Natalie Bruns had 12 and
Morgan Morrison had 11 as NYU out-rebounded Johns Hopkins 60-34.
"We're multi-facited and have a deep commitment to the defensive side of the ball," Barber added. "If we continue to focus on our defense and gain chemistry on offense we'll be in a good place."
Morrison scored 22 points, Bruns finished with 19 and Pellechia contributed 10. Both Erica Miler and
Megan Bauman had nine.
Bruns also had a game-high six assists.
"We have a lot of scorers on this team and a lot of people who can rebound," Bruns explained. "I just want to make sure as a senior and knowing how the system works that I do what I can can to help the team in any way I can. We can really share the wealth."
The Violets are back in action on Friday, November 17, when they travel to Union, NJ, to face Kean University. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm.
