From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's basketball team defeated host Drew University 84-78 in the Championship Game of the Rose City Classic on Saturday, November 19, in Madison, NJ.
Junior captain Ross Udine scored 20 points to lead the way for NYU en route to earning All-Tournament MVP honors. Fellow captain, senior Joe Timmes, chipped in 13 points and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
"The MVP was all because of my teammates," Udine explained. "They put me in the right position to lead them. I don't really care about it. I just wanted to get the win and that's what we came here and did."
A trio of Violet newcomers, freshmen Jimmy Martinelli, Cameron Moore and Nick Medavoy all contributed 10 points.
The Violets (2-0) led by as many as five points on several occasions in the first half, but a late run by the Rangers gave Drew a 35-30 lead at halftime.
NYU tied the game at 49-49 and it continued to stay close the rest of the way. The game was tied again at 67-67 with 2:41 to play when the Violets went on a 7-0 run and never trailed again.
"The turning point in the second half was collectively everyone stuck together, and we got a few stops on defense," said Assistant Coach Michael McSloy. "The play off the bench from the freshmen was huge. I thought everyone chipped in. It was a total team effort."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Violets' strong shooting in the second half was key to their victory. The team shot .485 (17-35) from the field, .400 (6-15) from three-point range and .875 (14-16) from the foul line over the final 20 minutes.
- Martinelli (12 rebounds) and Medavoy (11 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles. Martinelli also led the Violets with three assists.
- Nate Aldrich led Drew with 18 points and 11 rebounds.