New York University's 10th-ranked men's basketball team picked up its sixth straight win on Sunday afternoon, 81-78, at 24th-ranked Emory University in Atlanta, GA. The Violets are now 17-3 on the season and sit atop the University Athletic Association (UAA) with a 7-2 league record.

Zay Freeney hit the game-winning triple with five seconds left and scored a game-high 25 points in the victory, along with eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. Michael Savarino added 19 points while Cinque Stephens finished with 15 to round out NYU's double-digit scorers.

"What an incredible win. Zay Freeney carried us those last few minutes," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. "I give him so much credit for having the moxy to shoot and make those shots late after struggling from three earlier in the game. It's a credit to the work he's put in over the years to prepare for moments like today. Truth is we escaped with a win and in this league you'll take any win you can get."

The Violets trailed 10-5 early on, but scored 14 consecutive points to a take a 19-10 lead after six minutes of play. Emory battled back and eventually reclaimed the advantage, 24-22, halfway through the first period.

NYU responded with another run, out-scoring the Eagles 18-5 over the next five minutes to go up 40-29 after a Stephens trey. Once again, Emory clawed back to tie the score 47-47 with 28 seconds left in the half. But, Stephens converted a last-second layup to give the Violets a 49-47 lead at the break.

The Eagles started strong in the second half, building a nine-point advantage (59-50) at the 13:20 mark. NYU stayed in it but couldn't retake the lead for an extended period, even falling behind by 10 (77-67) with 3:53 left.

However, the last four minutes were all NYU as the Violets held Emory to just one point for the rest of the contest. Scoring didn't come easy though, as the Violets defended well and came within two, 78-76, with 28 seconds on the clock.

NYU forced a turnover and missed its subsequent three-point attempt, but Freeney grabbed the offensive board and converted from downtown to put the Violets ahead 79-78 for their first lead since 17:06 in the second half. Hampton Sanders then sunk his two free throws after an Emory foul to clinch victory.

Savarino added seven rebounds, two assists and two steals to his 19 points. Spencer Freedman chipped in nine points, five assists, four boards and three steals while Emmanuel Onuama finished with seven points and seven rebounds.

NYU returns home for another UAA clash, taking on Case Western Reserve University on Friday, February 9, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.