The New York University men's basketball team defeated the University of Chicago Maroons 80-61 in a University Athletic Association (UAA) game on Friday, February 10, in Brooklyn, NY.

The Violets upped their season record to 14-7 overall, 3-7 in the UAA, while defeating Chicago (9-12, 2-8) for the second time this season. The Violets also recorded a 69-64 win over the Maroons on January 13 in the Windy City.

"The guys came out with real energy tonight, really focused on defense," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. 

Down by 10 points midway through the first half, Nikola Lipovic's three-pointer capped a 23-4 NYU run and gave the Violets a 31-22 lead with just under three minutes left. 

Chicago pulled within two before NYU went into halftime with a 38-34 lead.

The Maroons knotted the game twice early in the second half. But, a 5-0 NYU run snapped a 45-45 tie and the Violets held the lead the rest of the way, stretching it to a game-high 19 points at the end.

Zay Freeney led four Violets in double-figures with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Lipovic and Cinque Stephens each had 15 points, while Spencer Freedman chipped in with 13 and a game-high seven assists.

Quinn Clark crashed the boards for a team-high nine rebounds. 

The NYU victory snapped a three-game losing streak.

"Our goal coming into the season was to keep improving, and wins help," Klatsky added. "These guys have worked hard and given us everything they've got in every single practice. It's nice to see them rewarded with a win."

The Violets are back in action this Sunday, February 12, at 12:00 pm when they host 16th-ranked Washington University in St. Louis at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.