The New York University men's basketball team remained undefeated with a 75-67 victory over Drew University on Saturday, January 4, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

In their biggest test of the season thus far, the #8-ranked Violets fell behind by as many as 10 points in the first half, but rebounded in the second to boost their record to 11-0

Zay Freeney led the charge for NYU, tying a career high with 27 points.  

"We got punched in the mouth early and it was a challenge the team really needed," Freeney explained. "As a senior captain, I was just trying to lead and keep the guys positive."

The Violets trailed 22-12, with 7:50 remaining in the first half, but used a 15-6 streak to pull within one at 28-27.

The Rangers re-built a six-point lead, but Freeney's long three-pointer just before the halftime buzzer brought NYU to within 35-32.

Freeney had a team-high nine points over the first 20 minutes. 

Drew (8-3) still led 44-43 early in the second half, but the Violets scored the next eight points. 

The Rangers evened the score at 53-53, but Freeney hit a trey, a foul shot and a layup over the next two-plus minutes as NYU took a lead it would never relinquish.

Freeney's and-one with 3:32 remaining in the game gave the Violets their biggest lead, 65-55, and Drew never got closer than six the rest of the way.

Freeney connected on 10-of-16 shots from the field, while adding seven rebounds, two steals, and an assist.

"The ball just happened to bounce my way tonight and I'm really happy with the outcome," Freeney added.

Brock Susko finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Hampton Sanders scored 14 points, including a near-perfect 10-of-11 from the foul line, while adding a team-high four assists.

Tristan How recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

The Violets return to action when they begin play in the University Athletic Association (UAA) on Saturday, January 11. NYU will host Brandeis University at 1:00pm at the Paulson Center.