The top-ranked and undefeated New York University women's basketball team clinched its third consecutive University Athletic Association (UAA) title with a 80-56 victory at Washington University in St. Louis on Friday, February 16, in St. Louis, MO.  

The victory for the undefeated Violets (23-0, 12-0) also assures the squad another trip to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

"We were an inspired team tonight with a UAA Championship on the line," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "Clinching our third-straight title on the road at WashU feels so sweet. It isn't just about the players getting minutes and points for us. This took every single member of our team coming to practice every day with a willingness to compete and make each other better, buying into our game plans and being selfless."

The Violets took control early in the game, scoring the first seven points and doubling up the Bears (15-8, 8-4) 22-11 after the first quarter.

NYU increased its lead to 16 points, 39-23, at halftime.

The third quarter was a stalemate, as both teams scored 15 points and NYU maintained its 16-point lead heading into the final quarter.

The Violets went on to take a game-high 29-point lead, 67-38, on Belle Pellecchia's layup with 6:52 remaining.

The Bears never got closer than 22 the rest of the way.

Morgan Morrison led NYU with a season-high 25 points, connecting on 11-of-15 from the field while completing a double-double with 10 rebounds.

Also producing double-digit scoring efforts for the Violets were Natalie Bruns (13), Megan Bauman (13) and Pellecchia (11).   

NYU shot 59.6 percent (31-of-52) from the field and 50 percent (4-of-8) from three-point range.

"Our program isn't about stats and awards," Barber added. "We are all about the sisterhood....and tonight, Championships! I'm a very proud coach every day with this crew."

NYU will look to keep its undefeated record intact when the team plays again on Sunday at the University of Chicago. Tip-off is scheduled for 2pm (central time) in the Windy City.