From NYU Athletics
Joe Timmes' long three-pointer with 30 seconds left snapped a 77-77 tie as the New York University men's basketball team defeated Emory University 80-79 in a University Athletic Association (UAA) contest on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan.
"I felt like I had a hand down in front of me," Timmes explained. "I just popped out pretty far and let it fly. It was nice to help get a win for everybody."
Following Timmes' shot, the Eagles' Adam Gigax hit a layup with 27.4 seconds left to make the score 80-79.
After Ross Udine missed the front end of a 1 and 1 (the Violets' only miss of the game from the charity stripe), Emory worked for the last shot. Following a timeout with 4.8 seconds remaining, Jim Gordon missed a corner three and the Violets held on for the win.
"You always think when Joe shoots the ball it's going to go in," said NYU Assistant Coach Michael McSloy. "He puts in so much work in practice and on his own. Whenever he shoots, there's never a doubt."
The Violets (7-12, 2-7 UAA) trailed by 10 points, 71-61, with 7:30 remaining in the game.
NYU started its comeback by scoring the next five points.
The Eagles (14-6, 5-4) re-opened a six-point lead, but Doug Gertner's two free throws with 2:02 left tied the score at 77-77 and set the scene for TImmes' game-winning shot.
"The comeback really shows our resiliency, our ability to bounce back," McSloy explained. "I think our guys showed their true character today."
The first half featured eight lead changes and four ties, with neither team leading by more than six points. Emory had a 17-11 advantage midway through the half and still led 23-18 with 6:45 to play. However, NYU went on a 21-11 streak to forge a 39-34 lead at halftime.
The Eagles opened the second half on a 20-6 run and grabbed a 54-45 advantage before going on to their 10-point lead.
NOTABLES:
- Udine finished with a game-high 26 points. Timmes finished with 16.
- Gertner posted his first double-double with career highs of 17 points and 10 rebounds. The sophomore also dished out a career-best four assists.
- Jimmy Martinelli grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.
- Jack Heller made 3-of-5 from downtown and finished with nine points.
- Gigax led four Eagles in double-figures with 19 points.
"It was a collective effort," Timmes added. "Doug with his 10 rebounds. Jack came in and hit big shots. Ross was finding people and knocking down shots. It wasn't just me."