The New York University men's basketball team pulled out a University Athletic Association (UAA) opening victory, 64-58, over Brandeis University at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan on Saturday, January 11.

"It's the first UAA game and you obviously want to play well," said Head Coach Joe Nesci. "But, every game is as important as the next in conference play."

The Violets (11-1) remain unbeaten at home this season, posting a perfect 9-0 record at Coles.

NYU and the Judges (8-4) went back and forth constantly throughout the game, as the two squads traded the lead 12 times before the Violets took the lead for good with 5:51 remaining in the contest.

NYU trailed Brandeis 36-34 after the first half, as the Judges shot 61.5 percent from three-point range. The Violets were able to stay with the visitors though, as they shot 51.7 percent from the floor before the half.

The Violets clamped down on the defensive end in the second half, holding Brandeis to 25.0 percent shooting from the floor and 37.3 for the game. In addition, NYU continued its consistent domination on the boards, outrebounding the Judges 41-28.

"We made some key shots and our defense was consistent in the second half," said Nesci. "We also didn't allow any second shots and I thought that was a key, as well."

HIGHLIGHTS:

- The Violets trailed by as much as eight points in the second, but a few three-pointers from Iyoha Agho and Max Ralby brought them back.

- Agho scored a career-high 10 points in the win. Ralby finished with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.

- Sophomore forward Evan Kupferberg scored a game-high 18 points and added eight rebounds.

- Sophomore center Costis Gontikas scored 10 points with six rebounds before fouling out.

- Senior co-captain guard Ryan Tana scored nine points with five rebounds.

- Freshman forward Alec Papesch scored four points with five rebounds.

The Violets will be back in action next weekend when they travel to Chicago and St. Louis for two UAA contests. NYU will face the University of Chicago on Friday, January 17, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 pm central time. The Violets then face Washington University-St. Louis on Sunday, January 19, with a 12:00 pm central time tip.