The New York University men's basketball team dropped an 88-85 decision to Brandeis University in their University Athletic Association (UAA) opener on Saturday, January 10, in Waltham, MA. 

NYU trailed by as many as 17 points late in the second half before a game-ending rally fell short.  

The Violets fell behind 10-2 at the start, but back-to-back jumpers from Carnegie Johnson followed by consecutive three-pointers from Luke Kolaja gave NYU its first lead. 

With the game tied 15-15, Alex Daniels hit a three-pointer and Kolaja added a turnaround jumper to give the Violets their biggest lead. 

However, a 9-0 Brandeis run put the Judges back in front before Henry Bickford's layup ended the streak.

Brandeis' lead grew to seven points, 32-25, but Darius Gakwasi's three straight baskets brought the Violets within one.

The Judges finished the half on 7-0 run and led 44-36 at intermission. 

Brandeis (8-4, 1-0) increased its lead to a game-high 17 points, 78-61, with 4:28 remaining. 

The Violets (9-3. 0-1) scored the next eight points and pulled within single digits at 78-69.

The Judges opened another double-digit lead, but Johnson's two layups and three-pointer in the final minute brought the Violets within three at the final buzzer.  

Gakwasi led the Violets with a career-high 24 points, while Johnson added 16.

Kolaja (15) and Bryan Moussako (11), also scored in double-digits for the Violets. .

Quinn Clark grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds and added three assists.

The Violets return to action on Friday, January 16, when they play their UAA home opener against the University of Rochesster. Tip-off at the John A. Paulson Center is set for 5:30pm.