The New York University men's basketball team made its claim for a postseason bid with their 76-69 over Brandeis University in the final regular-season game of the 2025-26 season on Saturday, February 28, at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan.

The Violets complete the campaign with a 17-8 overall record and an 8-6 mark in the University Athletic Association (UAA).

Prior to tip-off, the Violets honored 11 seniors and graduate students. In a pregame ceremony, graduate students Alex Daniels, Darius Gakwasi, Luke Kolaja, David Petrusev, Darren Rubin, and Andrew Waldman, and seniors Aidan Clarke, Matt Volkening, Vinny Ferrari, Bryan Moussako, and Quinn Clark were recognized. 

The teams stayed within four points of each other for most of the first half before Brandeis took its biggest lead, 35-28, with just over three minutes remaining.

Kolaja followed with consecutive layups and the Violet pulled within 37-34 at halftime.

NYU retook the lead, 46-45, on Moussako's three-pointer, then extended it to five, 58-53, following his steal and layup with 9:12 left.

The Judges responded with the next five points to knot the game at 58-58.

Rubin and Moussako followed with layups and the Violets never trailed again.

NYU took its biggest lead, 72-65, on Kolaja's layup with just over two minutes remaining.

Brandeis pulled within five, but perfect foul shooting from Clark and Moussako clinched the victory.  

Rubin finished with a game-high 26 points. Kolaja had 18 points and eight rebounds, while Moussako scored 12.

"If this was going to be my last game, I was leaving everything out on the floor," Kolaja explained. 

Clark pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

"Through injuries, illnesses and lineup changes, this team has shown resilience all year," said Head Coach Waleed Farid. "They knew what was on the line today, and they did what they needed to do to get the job done."

With the conclusion of the regular season, only the NCAA Division III Tournament remains. Bids will be announced on Monday.