From NYU Athletics
The New York University women's basketball team finished off
regular-season play on Saturday afternoon, February 28, with a
71-62 victory over Brandeis University on Senior Day at the Jerome
S. Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
NYU (21-4, 10-4 University Athletic Association) celebrated its two
seniors, Melissa Peng and Lexi
Bove-Domenech, on Saturday with pre-game ceremonies.
"Today was a lot about honoring our two really terrific, dedicated
seniors," said NYU Head Coach Lauren Hall-Gregory.
"I was happy for them that we could get a win on this day."
The Violets, who entered the day ranked #19 in the most
recent USA Today Coaches Poll and #20
byD3hoops.com, and Judges (13-12, 5-9 UAA) were back and
forth for the entire first half, which was culminated by a
buzzer-beating three-point basket from Peng to tie the score 36-36
at the break.
NYU took that momentum and controlled the entirety of the second
half en route to their nine-point victory, during which the Violets
held a lead as large as 13, 67-54, with 1:15 left.
"We talked during halftime about being more aggressive on the
offensive side," continued Hall-Gregory. "We really did a better
job of getting the ball inside and attacking the post. We were in
more of an attack mindset."
Overall, four Violets scored in double figures, led by Peng. The
point guard tied a career best with a game-high-tying 17
points. Maya Wasowicz scored 16 points in 16
minutes off the bench and was a perfect 3-of-3 from long
range. Kaitlyn Read led all players with 11
rebounds and chipped in 13 points for her fourth double-double of
the season and seventh of her career. Megan
Dawe finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
With the victory, the Violets achieved their highest single-season
win total under the direction of Hall-Gregory, now in her third
season. Overall, the Violets are 51-25 (.671) with Hall-Gregory at
the helm and are likely headed for their second straight NCAA
Tournament.
"We're excited for Monday to see what happens for us," said
Hall-Gregory. "I feel like we've put together a really good resume
and hopefully we'll be considered to go to the NCAA Tournament. The
girls are excited about the opportunity."
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Peng also had a game-best four assists in a game-high-tying 33
minutes in what was her final regular-season game at Coles.
- Bove-Domenech made her first career start on Saturday, chipping
in two points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in seven
minutes.
"These two seniors have been the foundation of our program,"
Hall-Gregory said. "They're quiet about it, but they're strong,
humble and committed. Every day you know what you're going to get
from these two seniors."
- Read also played 33 minutes for NYU, finishing with two assists,
a game-high-tying two steals and a block.
- Emily Rowe finished with six points, six
rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes off the bench.