From NYU Athletics
The New York University men's basketball team recorded a 65-52 victory over #16-ranked Washington University in St. Louis on Sunday at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility.
It was the Violets' second straight University Athletic Association (UAA) victory of the weekend. NYU defeated the University of Chicago 80-61 on Friday.
"The defensive performance we brought today was probably the best we've had all year," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. "Washington is clearly one of the best teams in our league. Our guys just keep working and working."
Washington took an early two-point lead on Sunday, but NYU utilized a 9-2 run to open a 14-8 advantage.
After the Bears crept within two, 23-21, with just over five minutes left in the first half, the Violets ended the session with a 13-4 streak and grabbed a 36-25 lead at halftime.
The Violets shot 50 percent (15-of-30) from the field over the first 20 minutes, while the Bears were held to 23.8 percent (8-for-23). Michael Savarino had 13 points at halftime, connecting on five of his seven shots from the field, including all three of his three-point attempts.
NYU scored the first seven points of the second half and increased its lead to a game-high 19 points, 49-30, on Zay Freeney's jumper with 11:36 remaining.
Washington made a last effort to cut into its deficit, scoring the next six points and pulling within 12.
But, Spencer Freeman hit a big three-pointer to stifle the comeback and NYU never led by less than 13 the rest of the way.
Freedman and Savarino each finished with 16 points. Freedman also had a game-high nine assists, while Savarino was high in rebounds with six.
"Spencer had such great control of the game. We just put the ball in his hands and say 'do what you gotta do.' He's a special player," Klatsky offered. "Michael shoots confidently, and our message to him is to take the good ones. He showed it today. It was so rewarding to see him knock some down and get us the lead in the first half, especially with his grandfather, Coach Krzyzewski in the house."
Nikola Lipovic added 11 points and Quinn Clark finished with 10 for NYU.