The top-ranked New York University women's basketball team successfully opened its University Athletic Association (UAA) schedule with a 103-52 victory over Brandeis University on Alumni Day on Saturday, January 6, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

It was a season-high scoring performance for the Violets and the most points produced by NYU since a 103-50 victory over Baruch College on November 27, 2019.

The victory raised the team's record to 12-0 and represented the 100th of Meg Barber's career as NYU's head coach (100-21, .826). 

"Getting 100 wins is a testament to the staffs I have had and the talented players that I have been able to coach," Barber said. "Women's basketball has a deep tradition at NYU that continues to build over the years. To be able to put together 100 wins with this group is special, and to share it today with the fraternity of players from the past is awesome."

The Violets trailed only once in the game, 3-2, before going on a 20-2 run to take command of the contest. 

The NYU advantage grew to 23 points, 37-14, at the end of the first quarter following the second of Erica Miller's consecutive three-pointers and three free throws from Belle Pellecchia with one tick remaining.

The lead was extended to 42 points, 63-21, at halftime when Mary Kate Fahey hit a three-pointer with just two seconds remaining. 

The onslaught continued into the second half and the NYU lead ballooned to a game-high 53 points, 86-33, when Yasmene Clark hit a layup right before the buzzer ending the third quarter. 

Brandeis (4-8) never got closer than 45 the rest of the way.

Natalie Bruns and Morgan Morrison dominated in the low post. Bruns finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four steals, and three blocks, while Morrison produced a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to go with three blocks and a steal. 

Megan Bauman had a team-high nine assists and scored nine points. Pellecchia also had nine points and added three assists.

"We always get up for conference games. This is what we look forward to. This is what we get excited about," Pellecchia said. "I think we sent a message to everyone today." 

NYU out-rebounded Brandeis 50-35 and forced 23 turnovers.

The Violets travel to Cleveland, OH, for their first UAA road game of the season on Friday, January 12. NYU will face host Case Western Reserve University at 5:30pm.