Behind an extremely balanced scoring attack led byMelissa Peng's game- and career-high 17 points, the New York University women's basketball team continued its winning ways on Sunday afternoon, February 1, defeating Emory University 74-62 at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
 
The Violets (17-1, 6-1 University Athletic Association) entered the contest ranked #8 by both D3hoops.com andUSA Today, and have now strung together back-to-back victories to maintain a share of the top spot in the UAA standings.
 
With the victory, NYU has now defeated the Eagles (10-8, 2-5 UAA) in three consecutive meetings.
 
"It was a game that was up and down for us," said NYU Head Coach Lauren Hall-Gregory. "We had moments where we were the best version of ourselves, and then we had moments when we weren't."

On Sunday, 10 players contributed to the scoring effort for the Violets, including four in double figures. Peng led the way and was also a perfect 10-of-10 from the foul line. Megan Dawe also had a nice performance, registering 15 points and a game- and season-high 13 rebounds for her third double-double of the season and seventh of her career.
 
NYU and Emory traded the lead twice in the first half, but the Violets took control from the 9:07 mark until the buzzer. Leading by as much as 11 on multiple occasions, NYU took a 41-30 lead into the half after Maya Wasowicz's buzzer-beating-jumper from the left elbow.
 
En route to the 12-point victory – the Eagles' Fran Sweeney hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to trim the final from 15 to 12 – the Violets dominated play in the second half, leading by 16 points twice.

"In order to be a great team, you have to be able to win pretty and you have to be able to win ugly," said Hall-Gregory. "I think we can do that."
 
HIGHLIGHTS:
 
- Peng also finished with three rebounds and two assists. Dawe also registered three assists, a block and a steal.
 
- Kaitlyn Read chipped in 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a game-high-tying two blocks, and a game-best four steals.
 
- Wasowicz also scored in double figures with 11 points.
 
"I'd like to see more consistency, but I think we'll get there," continued Hall-Gregory. "I think our best basketball is ahead of us."

The Violets will return to action on Friday night, February 6, when they once again face the University of Rochester, this time on the road in Rochester, NY. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm with live stats, live video and live radio available.