New York University's #13-ranked men's basketball team won its third straight game, defeating the University of Rochester 80-73 on Friday, January 26, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

The Violets (14-3, 4-2) trailed by as many as five points in the first half, but eked ahead 33-32 at halftime.

NYU increased its lead to a game-high 12 points, 58-46, on Cinque Stephens' free throw with 9:15 remaining.

Rochester (8-9, 2-4) pulled within four points, 73-69, with just under a minute remaining in the game. 

However, the Yellowjackets got no closer as the Violets went 7-of-8 from the foul line down the stretch to clinch the victory.

Spencer Freedman led the Violets with 23 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

"Spencer getting 11 rebounds is incredible," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. "He is spectacular offensively, but we 're not going to be as good as we can be if he doesn't do all the other stuff, as well."

NYU was playing without its leading rebounder, Quinn Clark, who is sidelined due to injury.

"It was a different team without Quinn out there," Klatsky explained. "We didn't have much time to prepare to play without him, so we just had to figure it out as we played."  

Zay Freeney added 19 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Michael Savarino and Emmanuel Onuama each scored 10. 

"Zay is able to do so much for us on the offensive side and the defensive side," Klatsky added. "He has been terrific this year."

Tomiwa Adetosoye led Rochester with 22 points

The Violets complete their UAA weekend with a game against Emory University on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 12:00pm back at the Paulson Center.