From NYU Athletics

The New York University men's basketball team defeated John Jay College 79-68 on Monday, January 8, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan.

NYU (8-3) withstood a late run from John Jay (4-8) and scored the final nine points of the game en route to its second-straight win and fifth victory in its last six games.

Essien Epps converted a layup to close within two points, 70-68, with just under one minute remaining, but the Violets answered with a quick layup from Jimmy Martinelli and clutch foul shooting down the stretch to preserve the win.

Epps' layup culminated a 12-1 run from the Bloodhounds, which turned a 13-point game into just a two-point lead for NYU. At one point during the run, John Jay made three field goals and scored six points in a 12-second span.

Leading the way for NYU was senior captain Ross Udine, who finished with a season-high 22 points. Udine was 4-for-6 from deep and also dished out a game-high six assists.

"Ross was huge for us tonight," said NYU Assistant Coach Michael McSloy. "He hit some big shots and that's what we've come to expect from him as our senior leader."

Hakeem Animashaun scored 24 points to lead the Bloodhounds, while Epps chipped in with 19.

NOTABLES:

- Martinelli finshed with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 boards.

- Cameron Moore scored 15 points and was 9-for-10 from the foul line. The sophomore also dished out four assists. 

- Bobby Hawkinson had a productive game for the Violets, coming off of the bench to score nine points and grab six boards in 18 minutes of action.

- NYU swatted away a season-high eight shots, with Martinelli and Hawkinson leading the way with three blocks apiece. 

"All in all, we were fortunate to come away with the win tonight and now it's on to the bulk of our University Athletic Association (UAA) schedule," concluded McSloy.