From NYU Athletics
The New York University women's basketball team, led by a career
performance from Kaitlyn Read, came away with a
hard-fought road victory on Friday night, February 21, defeating
Emory University 82-73 in Atlanta, GA.
The Violets (19-4, 8-4 University Athletic Association) had four
players score in double-figures as they took the season series 2-0
over he Eagles (16-7, 5-7 UAA).
Throughout the contest, especially in the second half, the game
featured a stellar one-on-one battle between NYU's Read, and
Emory's Savannah Morgan, who guarded each other for the majority of
the game. The Violet freshman guard finished with a
career-high-tying 26 points, along with a career-best 17 boards for
her second-career double-double, while Morgan registered 27 points,
seven assists and seven rebounds.
"Kaitlyn Read has been so important for us
throughout the season," said Head Coach Lauren
Hall-Gregory. "She's a winner; she's a fighter; she's a
competitor. That really has been our team identity throughout the
season and she's been a big part of it, so I'm thankful she's on my
team."
NYU led for most of the contest, but the Eagles were able to jump
out to a five-point advantage with 6:30 remaining. The Violets then
took control after staving off the comeback, finishing the game on
a 20-6 run.
Overall, the Violets had the edge on the boards, outrebounding the
Eagles 42-36 while also controlling the area under the basket. NYU
outscored Emory 32-16 in points in the paint.
"Both teams played very hard, and it wasn't pretty all the time.
But, both teams had to be reresilient and we just weathered the
storm at the end," said Hall-Gregory.
With the victory, as well as a Chicago University loss tonight, the
Violets are now knotted for second place in the UAA.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sophomore co-captain forward Megan
Dawe finished with 19 points, six rebounds and a steal
in her first game back after missing three straight.
"Obviously points and rebounds are great for Megan -- she's an
incredible All-Conference post player -- so it's great to have her
back on the offensive end," said Hall-Gregory. "Her composure,
grace under pressure, and leadership skills, as well as having her
underneath the basket, makes us more confident."
- Junior co-captain point guard Melissa
Peng chipped in 11 points, three assists, three
rebounds, and two steals. She sunk six-of-seven free throws down
the stretch in the second half.
"The whole game Melissa was guarded by two people and is still able
to fight through double-teams and get the ball over halfcourt,"
said Hall-Gregory. "She played 40 tough minutes and was tremedous
for us tonight."
- Freshman guard Amy Harioka scored 10 points,
along with three steals, two assists, and two rebounds.