The New York University women’s basketball team secured its fifth consecutive University Athletic Association (UAA) championship on Friday night after defeating #16 Washington University in St. Louis 82-62 at the John A. Paulson Center in Manhattan. This victory extended the Violets’ NCAA Division III record-winning streak to 85 games.
NYU faced an early challenge, trailing by one point after the first quarter and holding a six-point lead going into the fourth. Washington University narrowed the gap to seven points early in the final period, but NYU responded with a decisive 10-1 run that expanded their lead to 20 points before the game ended.
“This is a real team championship,” said Head Coach Meg Barber. “We lost so many players from last year and so many players have stepped up this year. So many don’t get the accolades, but everyone on this team has contributed to make us champions again.”
Zahra Alexander led NYU’s scoring off the bench with 23 points. Brooke Batchelor added 20 points, while Caroline Peper, the team’s only senior and four-time UAA Champion, scored 18.
“It’s amazing. I can’t even put it into words,” Peper said. “It’s not something you think of when you first come to NYU. It’s just a testament to how competitive we are and how much hard work we put in.”
Yasmene Clark led all players with 14 rebounds, and Peper contributed six assists for NYU.
The Violets finished the game shooting over 50 percent from the field and nearly 48 percent from three-point range.
“We’re going to enjoy this one tonight, but of course the NCAA Tournament is looming,” Barber added. “The UAA gets you prepared, with so many great teams and coaches.”
NYU has two regular-season games remaining before entering postseason play. The team will next face the University of Chicago at home on Sunday at noon.
