The nation's top-ranked New York University women's basketbll team raised its 2024-25 record to 14-0 with a 101-68 victory over the University of Rochester on Sunday, January 19, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

The Violets have now scored at least 100 points six times this season.

NYU led the entire way, led by Belle Pellecchia who tied her career-high with 24 points. The senior captain also collected eight rebounds, dished out five assists, compiled five steals, and added a blocked shot.  

"Belle is not just an offensive and defensive juggernaut, but she's also a team leader and that really showed today," explained Head Coach Meg Barber.

The Violets scored the first four points of the University Athletic Association (UAA) contest en route to a 33-24 lead after the first quarter.

The Yellowjackets (8-6, 1-2) only managed nine points in the second quarter as the Violets took a 52-33 halftime lead.

NYU's advantage grew to as many as 35 points in the final quarter.

"Sunday games in the UAA are always battles and both teams came out strong," Barber said. "We kept our composure in the second half and were able to come away with the victory."  

Natalie Bruns scored 17 points, had a game-high 10 rebounds and also totaled five steals. Jamie Behar finished with 15 points, Caroline Peper had 14 and a team-high six assists, while Brooke Batchelor scored 10.

Prior to the game, Barber and senior captain Chloe Teter made a special presentation to Dr. Naamit Gerber from NYU Langone Health as a co-sponsor of Play4Kay Day in support of raising awareness of women's fight against cancer.   

"This is bigger than basketball, and NYU being out in the forefront of medical research and all the ways they are involved in raising breast cancer awareness and medical care really means a lot," Barber said.

The Violets return to action when they travel to Pittsburgh, PA, for a UAA contest at Carnegie Mellon University. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm.