From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's basketball team faced #24 (D3hoops.com) Emory University in Atlanta, GA, on Friday night, February 12, and defeated the Eagles 73-56 behind another double-double performance from Evan Kupferberg.
The senior co-captain led all players in points (26) and rebounds (11) as the Violets picked up their fourth straight victory.
"It was just an overall great team effort. Evan, Costis and Patrick controlled the inside for us all night long, which gave us the edge in rebounding and scoring underneath," said NYU Head Coach Joe Nesci.
With the win, NYU improves to 18-3 overall and 7-3 in the UAA. Emory's recorded drops to 15-4, as well as 8-2 in the UAA.
The two squads played very even throughout the first half, but Emory ultimately held the advantage by living from long range (8-of-19 from three in the first) and took the 34-30 lead in to the break on a WIll Trawick buzzer-beating three.
Despite the four-point deficit, Kupferberg and the Violets stormed back in the second half as the 6-foot-6 forward scored 18 of his points following the break. Additionally, 10 of those 18 came with just over five minutes off the clock following halftime. NYU also held Emory to just 2-of-18 from long range in the second half.
"They hit some really tough shots in the first half but we were getting out quicker to defend the three in the second," continued Nesci. "Those tough shots that fell in the first half were just not falling for them in the second."
Kupferberg, teamed with Costis Gontikas and Patrick Burns, who each notched eight rebounds, led the Violets to a dominating performance on the glass. NYU outrebounded Emory 47-26 and dominated down low offensively, outscoring the Eagles 46-19 in the paint.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Gontikas finished with 15 points. Burns added 12 points, two assists and a pair of blocks.
- Max Ralby contributed for the Violets. The senior co-captain registered six rebounds, five points, four assists, and a steal.
- Tony Bai finished with eight points and three rebounds.
- Ross Udine led NYU with five assist. The sophomore point guard added seven points, four rebounds and two steals.
- Jonathan Terry led the Eagles with 19 points.