In a battle to stay atop the University Athletic Association (UAA) standings, the New York University men's basketball team went on the road and defeated host University of Chicago 83-66 on Friday, January 31, in the Windy City.

The #5-ranked Violets (16-1, 5-1) and #22-ranked Maroons (13-4, 4-2) entered the game tied with Washington University in St. Louis for first place in the UAA.

NYU led by only one point at halftime, 35-34, but opened the second half on a 20-8 run to take control of the contest. 

Neither team led by more than five points in the tightly-contested first half.

NYU scored the first five points of the game, but Chicago responded with the next eight. 

The Maroons opened up a five-point lead, 18-13, but the Violets went ahead on a 10-2 spurt.

With NYU trailing 26-25, Jack Stone hit a long three with the shot clock winding down to give his team a lead it never relinquished. 

The Violets' advantage grew to a game-high 18 points, 81-63, on a pair of Brock Susko free throws with just 2:36 left in the contest.

"The second half was some of the best basketball we've played all year," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. "The toughness, shot selection, unselfishness. We got great shots and kept them from getting great shots. When that happens, the scoreboard will indicate that, as it did tonight."

Tristan How finished with team highs of 19 points and eight rebounds.

Susko scored 16 points, while adding six rebounds and a steal.

Stone finished with 15 points, including 3-of-4 from long distance as the Violets connected on 64.3 percent (9-of-14) of their three-point attempts.

Hampton Sanders contributed a game-high five assists.

The Violets continue their Midwest swing when they again play for first place, this time against UAA co-leader #6-ranked Wash U (15-2, 5-1) on Sunday. Tip-off in St. Louis, MO, is set for 2:00pm central time.