From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's basketball team defeated Brooklyn College 86-67 in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Championship at the Freeman Center on the campus of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA, on Friday, March 4.
The Violets (21-5) overpowered the Bulldogs (22-7) inside, as NYU's starting frontcourt of Costis Gontikas, Patrick Burns and Evan Kupferberg outscored Brooklyn's 54-37.
"We have a lot of guys who contribute. On offense and defense," Gontikas said. "When you play together it makes it easier for everyone. When you play together confidently, that's how you get things done."
NYU scored the game's first two points and never trailed. The Violets took their biggest lead of the first half, 22-10, on Tony Bai's three-pointer with 8:55 remaining. It was his second consecutive trey and ended a 9-0 NYU run which began with Ross Udine's three-pointer.
The Bulldogs closed to within five, 38-33, at halftime, and were within four midway through the second half, 59-55.
However, the Violets scored the next nine points and never led by less than 10 the rest of the way, increasing their lead to a game-high 19 points on several occasions.
Gontikas scored 18 of his game-high 25 points in the second half, while Burns scored 13 of his 17 over the final 20 minutes. Both players finished with eight rebounds.
"We try to assert ourselves on defense, first and foremost, and then play our basketball on the offensive end," Burns said.
Kupferberg registered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Udine (14 points) and Bai (12) also scored in double figures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Burns shot a near-perfect 8-of-9 from the field as the Violets went 34-for-64 (53.1%) for the game.
- Max Ralby collected a team-high 11 rebounds for the Violets.
- NYU also dominated on the boards, out-rebounding Brooklyn 47-32.
- Eight Violets recorded at least one assist, led by Udine, Burns and Ralby all with five.
- Egzon Gjonbalaj led the Bulldogs with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
"In this tournament, each weekend is a championship," said Head Coach Joe Nesci. "Tomorrow we're going to try and win this one."