The new York University men's basketball team, currently ranked #4 in NCAA Division III, opened University Athletic Association (UAA) play with a 101-85 victory over Brandeis University on Saturday, January 11, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

Three Violets scored at least 20 points with Brock Susko (26) and Hampton Sanders (25) establishing career highs and Tristan How (26) equaling his. 

NYU, still undefeated at 12-0, 1-0, trailed Brandeis (9-3, 0-1) by four early in the game, but took a pair of 22-point leads before walking off the court at halftime with a 53-33 advantage. 

Sanders had 15 points at the midway point, while Susko added 12 as the Violets shot 59.4 percent (19-of-32).

"I felt great from the start," said Sanders, who was in the starting lineup for the first time this season. "My teammates showed a lot of confidence in me."

NYU scored the first five points of the second half to take a game-high 25-point lead, but Brandeis then went on an 8-0 run.

The Violets went back up by 25, 81-56, but the Judges responded with a 20-7 streak to pull within 88-76.

But, How followed with an and-one and Chuma Oyigbo hit a three-pointer to quiet the comeback.    

How recorded another double-double by adding a game-high 13 rebounds. 

Zay Freeney led the Violets with six assists.

NYU shot 56.7 percent (34-of-60) from the field and out-rebounded the Judges 38-22.

"It wasn't just me today, with Brock and Tristan also getting 20 points," added Sanders, who was a perfect 12-of-12 from the foul line. "I'm happy that we came out with the win and am super excited for this team to continue to do well."

The Violets return to action on Friday, January 17, when they host Emory University back at the Paulson Center. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm.