The #1-ranked New York University women's basketball team closed out the month with a 102-70 victory over the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) on Sunday, November 30.

The Violets clinched the championship of Medgar Evers College's Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Tournament with the victory.

Caroline Peper, who was named Tournament MVP, scored 41 points to tie in the NYU program record set by Marsha Harris in 1998. The Violet senior also became the 20th player in program history to eclipse 1,000 points in her career.

Peper's 11 three-pointers also match a program record, previously set by Lauren D'Ambrosio during the 2002-03 season. 

"It was a career night for an incredible player and person. Pep has grown into one of the top players in the country, and through a lot of hard work she earned the opportunity to have a game like this," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "On a day where she was poised to hit 1,000 points, she did that and so much more. She was just a bucket. I'm incredibly proud of her."

The Violets, who have yet to trail in a game this season after opening Sunday's match-up on a 12-2 run, have now won 69 straight games. That is the second-longest streak in NCAA Division III history as they surpassed Amherst College (68) with the victory.

Washington University in St. Louis has the longest streak (81), set from 1998-2001.

"I wasn't aware that this game moved us into second all-time for a win streak," Barber admitted. "It is still about the next game for us and another opportunity to learn and grow as a team." 

NYU led at the end of the first quarter, 27-15.

With her jump shot at the 8:47 mark of the second quarter, Peper reached 1,000 career points.

The second quarter told a nearly identical story, with the Violets heading to the locker room with a 55-28 advantage. Peper led all players at that point, totaling 20 through the opening half.

Merchant Marine briefly cut into the NYU lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Violets 24-21 after halftime. NYU entered the fourth quarter leading, 76-52.

The three-pointers continued to fall for the Violets in the final frame. Peper hit seven of her 13 attempts from beyond the arc in the final 20 minutes. Her three with 1:50 remaining in regulation tied Harris' program record with 41 points.

The Violets matched the program's team single-game record with 18 total three-pointers, courtesy of Peper (11), Brook Batchelor (3), Olivia Lagao (3), and Aila Kaibara (1).

Peper also led all players with seven steals.

Batchelor contributed 17 point, with Yasmene Clark adding 13.

"The streak itself is a testament to our selfless, hard-working team culture and players past and present," Barber added. "I'm just extremely proud of how we relentlessly compete each day to come prepared on game days. It takes every member of our team and an immense amount of support from our athletic department and University to be in this position. I am very grateful."

The Violets return to action on Saturday, December 13, when they host Brooklyn College at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.