From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's basketball team defeated Carnegie Mellon University 70-67 at the Skibo Gymnasium in Pittsburgh, PA, on Friday night, February 5.
The Violets improved their overall record to 16-3 and its University Athletic Association (UAA) record to 5-3. CMU dropped to 8-12 and 1-8 in the UAA.
Starting point guard Ross Udine led the way for the squad with 21 points, 13 of which came in the pivotal second half. He added four assists.
"Everyone knows about Costis and Evan. They do a great job of spacing me out for the open shot," said Udine. "I get my feet ready, and when I get open I always expect to knock them down."
NYU started off the game flat and trailed the Tartans 43-31 at halftime.
"Foul trouble and lack of effort put us behind," said NYU Assistant Coach Taylor Roth. "We faced some adversity because of foul trouble and did not respond very well to it."
The Violets roared back at the start of the second half with a 13-4 run with just over four minutes gone by, highlighted by a three-pointer from Udine that put NYU behind by only three. The Weston, FL, native nailed another shot from beyond the arc at the 13:49 mark which pushed NYU into a lead it never relinquished.
"Ross did a great job in that second half," Roth added. "He hit some big shots. He is a confident kid, and fortunately we are used to seeing this from him. The team in general was able to make Carnegie Mellon play at our speed and tempo. That might be the best defense we have ever played in a half."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Fellow senior forward Patrick Burns contributed 12 points, with all but one coming in the second half. He added six boards.
- Max Ralby was able to pickpocket the opposing players four times and added six points.
"We told them, 'now you see what you're capable of at both ends,'" continued Roth. "We continue to play like that and we are going to be in great shape. Our momentum will carry over to Case and the rest of the season."