From NYU Athletics

The New York University women's basketball team defeated the University of Chicago 66-62 in overtime on Sunday, January 20, at the Sportsplex in Manhattan.

Janean Cuffee, the game's high scorer with 27 points, broke a 62-62 tie with 2:09 remaining in overtime and then clinched the NYU victory by hitting two free throws with just over three seconds remaining in the game.

She never left the court all afternoon, playing all 45 minutes.

"Janean has really stepped up her game," said Head Coach Meg Barber. "She plays with a lot of poise and has become a real leader on this team."  

It was a close game throughout, with the Violets (10-5, 2-3 UAA) never leading by more than five points and the Maroons (12-4, 3-2 UAA) never ahead by more than six. 

In the first quarter, neither team led by more than four points. Chicago's Taylor Lake connected on a three-pointer late in the period and the Maroons led 20-16 after the first 10 minutes. 

Chicago increased its lead to six points, 26-20, with just under seven minutes left in the second quarter. But, a 10-0 NYU run gave the Violets their biggest lead of the game and they went into halftime ahead 35-30.  

NYU's lead was short-lived as the Maroons scored the first seven points of the second half and went on to take a five-point lead, 45-40.  But, the Violets countered with the next 10 points to match their game-high lead before settling for a 50-47 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The Maroons opened the fourth by scoring the first five points before Annie Barrett's layup tied the score at 52-52. After two more ties, Barrett gave the Violets a 60-58 lead with just over two minutes remaining. 

Chicago's Mia Farrell tied the score with 45 seconds left in regulation and neither team scored again, sending the game into overtime at 60-60.

Shaye McGoey scored the first two points of overtime and Cuffee took care of the last four as the Violets came away with the victory.

"I can't say enough about the desire and resiliency of our team," Barber added. "This was a tough UAA battle, and for our team to come out ahead says a lot about the character and commitment of our players."   

Barrett finished with nine points, seven rebounds and a career-high eight steals. Olivia Linebarger also had nine points. Katie Foos finished with eight points and seven rebounds.

Farrell led the Maroons with 16 points and Lake finished with 15. 

"Our upperclassmen helped lead us to victory with defensive effort and rebounding for 45 minutes," Barber concluded.