From NYU Athletics

The New York University men's basketball team defeated the United States Merchant Marine Academy 79-55 on Tuesday night, January 6, in Kings Point, NY.

The Violets (8-2) broke open a close game against USMMA (2-10) by going on a 10-0 run with just under 14 minutes remaining in the first half. NYU controlled the pace of play throughout the game and did not trail at any point in the contest.

NYU once again held the advantage underneath, outrebounding the Mariners 40-26. The Violets also shot extremely well from three-point range, finishing 10-of-19 (52.6 percent) from beyond the arc led by Hakeem Harris (3-of-4). The Violets also held USMMA to just 17.4 percent (4-of-23) from long range.

Harris, a junior guard, finished the game with a career-high 15 points on 5-6 shooting from the floor. He added three assists, two rebounds and one steal.

"We were just looking to take what the defense gave us, and I actually thought USMMA did a good job keeping us out of any sort of rhythm in our offense," said NYU Head Coach Joe Nesci. "To our guys credit, off the bench in the first half, Hakeem and Joe (Timmes) did a great job of knocking down shots and making it tough for them to stay in that crazy defense."

Harris led a balanced scoring effort from an NYU bench that outscored the Mariners' 32-13. Timmes contributed nine points as a reserve, as well, sinking three long-range shots for the Violets.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Evan Kupferberg led NYU with 20 points. The junior forward also had seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.

- Max Ralby finished with a nice all-around effort. The junior guard led all players with five assists, while also registering six points, five rebounds and three steals.

"Evan had a really good second half and it was a really good overall game for Max," continued Nesci.

- Costis Gontikas chipped in 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds. He also had three assists and went 7-8 from the free throw line.

- Brad Lahens finished with a career-best four points off the bench of NYU.

"We certainly have to look at things that we need to improve on from this game in order to get ready for league play, which starts this weekend," said Nesci.