The New York University women's basketball team snapped a two-game losing skid with a 71-57 win over Manhattanville College on Wednesday, December 7, at the Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
 
The Violets (5-2) earned a much-needed victory heading into a three-week layoff by taking better care of the basketball and using their transition game to score easy buckets.
 
After turning the ball over an average of 24 times per game during its losing streak, NYU had 15 turnovers against the Valiants (3-5), including just five in the first half. Meanwhile, the Violets shot 46.3% (25-54) from the floor while holding Manhattanville to just 35.7% (25-70).
 
"We wanted to get out in transition and get easier baskets, whether they were layups or threes," said Violet head coach Stefano Trompeo. "We also knew Manhattanville likes to press, which we saw more in the second half, so we spent a lot of time with a specific press break."
 
NYU began to pull ahead with 7:50 to play in the first half. Leading 17-16, the Violets scored 14 of the final 20 points of the period to head into the break with a nine-point advantage at 31-22.
 
The lead swelled to 18 (51-33) eight minutes into the second half on a Cara Bonito layup in transition. After a 9-0 Valiant run brought the lead back to single digits, the Violets went on a run of their own, 8-1, to take another big lead.
 
However, Manhattanville fought back by forcing turnovers with its press and scoring second-chance points on offensive rebounds. A steal and layup by Taylor Wilson in the backcourt cut the NYU lead to just six, 61-55, with 1:56 to play.
 
From there, though, the Violets took care of business at the free-throw line, going 10-12 at the stripe in the final 1:27. Diana Leondis and Bonito each made all four of their attempts over that stretch.
 
"Having Cara shooting over 85% at the free-throw line, you have to love that," noted Trompeo. "And Diana has been very solid, making shots and clutch free throws. That's impressive for a sophomore who didn't play last year.
 
"I'm pleased for Tana," added Trompeo on NYU's leading scorer in the game, Tana Bertino, who netted 15 points. "She hit some threes and got some shots to fall."
 
Joining Bertino in double figures were Leondis (career-high 14 points) and Bianca Storts (10 points). Bonito totaled nine points and seven assists, while Whitney Hooper also contributed a career-best nine points coming off the bench. Shelby Coon recorded eight points and a team-high nine rebounds.
 
Jennifer McSharar posted a double-double for Manhanttaville, totaling 14 points and 13 rebounds (seven offensive). Courtney Turner also had a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards, while Kelly Ann Sullivan had 12 points and five assists.
 
The Violets return to action on Friday, Dec. 30, when they host Brooklyn College at Coles. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.