Freeney Drops 31, NYU Runs Away from Moravian

More news about: New York University

Zay Freeney's career-high 31 points led New York University's men's basketball team to a 103-61 triumph over Moravian University at the Brooklyn Athletic Facility on Saturday afternoon.

Spencer Freedman added 23, his second straight game with more than 20 points, as the Violets improved to 4-0 on the season.

"Right now we're playing really well," said Head Coach Dave Klatsky. "The message that I keep giving the guys is it's about process. We're not satisfied that we're 4-0. We have to keep getting better every single day, whether it's in practice or a game."

Moravian scored the first basket of the game, but that was its only lead on the day. The Violets used a 34-10 run over the next 10 minutes, capped off by a Nikola Lipovic jumper, to take control.

NYU went on to lead 52-25 at the break, shooting 52.8 percent from the floor and holding the Greyhounds to a 33.3 percent clip in the first.

The Violets led by as many as 44 points in the second half, dominating the contest throughout. It was NYU's second game of the year scoring more than 100 points, as the squad is now averaging 96.5 per outing.

Freeney shot 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from three for his career high, adding a career-high four steals as well.

"Zay's made huge strides this year," Klatsky said. "He's playing really good basketball, and that doesn't mean just scoring. He's playing great defense, he's in the right spots and playing hard. He's passing the ball when he should be, he's just doing a lot of good things. It's nice to see him have a game like this. He's a really great player."

Freedman continued his ultra-efficient start to the season, shooting 8-of-12 from the floor and 5-of-7 from long distance along with a game-high six assists. The graduate transfer is shooting 66 percent from the field and 59 percent from deep through four contests.

Lipovic scored 13 points as the third Violet in double-figures. Kawika Akina added a career-high eight points in just eight minutes, while adding four rebounds, two assists and a takeaway.

Quinn Clark was a monster on the boards, grabbing a career- and game-high 17 rebounds with four points, three assists, two steals, and a block.

Prior to today's contest, Navajo singer, songwriter, producer and motivational speaker Michelle Thomas sang the National Anthem in her native Navajo language in recognition of Native American Heritage Month.

The Violets return to action on Tuesday, November 22, at Maritime College in Throggs Neck, NY. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.