Salve Regina overcome by New York U., 77-62

SEAHAWK MEN'S BASKETBALL RESULTS

New York U. 77, Salve Regina 62
New York, N.Y. – Cole Sports Center
Saturday, January 2, 2016

Summary
Barrett Hanlon (Hopkinton, Mass.) and David Hanson (Stockton, England) led Salve Regina with 13 and 16 points, respectively, but #12 New York University men's basketball won the first matchup of the NYU Holiday Classic, 77-62.

The Violets (7-0), who are ranked #12 in the most recent D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll, were led by Evan Kupferberg's career-high 33-points, as well as his 13 rebounds. The senior forward and co-captain led all players in both categories, while his point total bested his previous mark of 31 points set as a sophomore against Clarkson University on January 3, 2014, during that season's Holiday Classic.

The game started off back and forth in the first half, with both teams holding the lead at one point. After taking an 18-12 advantage, NYU slowed down a bit offensively, allowing the Seahawks (4-5) to go on a 16-5 run. Now trailing 28-23 with 6:10 left until the break, the Violets once again took control with a 14-4 run to close out the first half – 10 of those points coming from Kupferberg, including a dunk following a steal at the top of the key at 5:25. NYU came out strong in the second half with a 9-0 run to take a 14-point lead and not allow Salve Regina to score until just under four minutes in. The Violets built their lead up to 17 points with just over one minute remaining in the contest en route to the convincing victory.

Link to box score
http://www.salveathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/boxscores/20160102_vunb.xml

Series and Streaks
Salve Regina and NYU compete in men's basketball for the second time ever. The Violets won the first ever meeting on November 17, 1990 (52-49).

Three Stars of the Game
1 – New York senior Evan Kupferberg (Boca Raton, Fla.) - scored a game-high 33 points on a proficient 16-of-20 from the floor.
2 – Salve Regina senior David Hanson (Stockton, England) - scored a team-high 16 points after entering the game as a reserve.
3 – Salve Regina senior Barrett Hanlon (Hopkinton, Mass.) - scored 13 points and added four rebounds and two steals.

Key Stat of the Game
While NYU made one more 3-pointer than Salve Regina (five to four), the Violets made only 21.7 percent (five of 23); instead it was the points in the paint (56) that made the difference for NYU.

Turning Point
New York trailed by five (28-23) before closing the first half with the final six points, and opening the second half scoring the first nine points to build a 14-point advantage.

Quick Hits

• Nicholas Bates (Danvers, Mass.) picked up three fouls in the first half.
• Connor Costello (Southborough, Mass.) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds for the Seahawks.
• Bryce Boggs (Hyde Park, Mass.) joined Hanlon and Hanson in double figures with 10 points.
• Salve Regina made a season best 87.5 percent of its free throws (14-of-16).
• NYU dominated the Seahawks in the paint, outscoring the visitors 56-30. The Violets also outrebounded Salve Regina 48-39.
• Patrick Burns had another efficient outing. The senior forward finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds for his third straight double-double and fourth of the season.
• Ross Udine led all players in both assists (8) and steals (3). The sophomore point guard also chipped in 14 points and a career-high five rebounds.
• Costis Gontikas contributed 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Quotes
"I thought the key today was that we wore them down," said NYU head coach Joe Nesci. "They are an offensively-talented team that was undersized. I was impressed by their team, but I think we took advantage of our size and strength."

Next up
Salve Regina (4-5) – Sunday, January 2 vs. Becker, 12 p.m. (at New York U.; NYU Holiday Classic)
New York U. (7-0) – Sunday, January 2 vs. Emmanuel, 2 p.m.  (NYU Holiday Classic)