From NYU Athletics
The Violets are going back to the NCAA Sweet 16.
After advancing to the Elite 8 last year, the New York University women's basketball team is one win away from that plateau again after defeating host Messiah College 62-41 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
"Heading into this game we were really worried about this matchup. They play so tough at home," said Head Coach Meg Barber.
Messiah had only lost three home games in six years.
NYU fell behind 4-0, but scored the next 14 points and led the rest of the way.
"We knew they had a lot of weapons," Barber added. "We came in with a defensive game plan and a defensive mind set. We were able to play at our tempo and that allowed us to get this win and advance."
Jenny Walker, who was held to six points in the Violets' opening-round win against Greensboro College on Friday, was not to be denied on Saturday. She scored a game-high 24 points and nearly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. For good measure, she added two assists.
"The best part about our team is that we are a team," Walker explained. "Last night, Natalie Bruns scored 29 points. Tonight I scored 24 points. That's what our strength is. Tonight, my teammates got me the ball and instilled confidence in me."
This game was never in doubt as the Violets led 16-10 after the first quarter and increased their advantage to 31-18 at halftime.
The lead grew to 47-27 after the third quarter and increased to a game-high 27 points, 60-33, on Caroline Peper's two free throws with 4:23 left in the game.
Belle Pellecchia recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Bruns added 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
Mary Kate Fahey also made her presence felt with six points, five rebounds and an assist.
"We have such a talented team that everyone has their role," said Fahey, who connected on the only successful three-pointer in the contest. "Part of my role is coming in and providing that little spark by getting a rebound, or stepping up on defense or taking a charge. Whatever the team needs me to do I will do."
NYU was only 1-for-10 from behind the arc, while the Falcons missed on all eight of their attempts.
The Violets also out-rebounded Messiah 46-31 while holding the Falcons to .311 percent shooting (19-of-61) from the field.
"In the NCAA Tournament no one is going to fold," Barber explained. "Playing in the UAA, we've been road tested and ready for battles like these. I'm proud of our effort for 40 minutes, and the greatest feeling is that we get to be together and practice together for another week and we're still playing games."