The New York University women's basketball team finished off regular-season play on Saturday afternoon, February 28, with a 71-62 victory over Brandeis University on Senior Day at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center in Manhattan.
 
NYU (21-4, 10-4 University Athletic Association) celebrated its two seniors, Melissa Peng and Lexi Bove-Domenech, on Saturday with pre-game ceremonies.
 
"Today was a lot about honoring our two really terrific, dedicated seniors," said NYU Head CoachLauren Hall-Gregory. "I was happy for them that we could get a win on this day."
 
The Violets, who entered the day ranked #19 in the most recent USA Today Poll, and Judges (13-12, 5-9 UAA) were back and forth for the entire first half, which was culminated by a buzzer-beating three-point basket from Peng to tie the score 36-36 at the break.
 
NYU took that momentum and controlled the entirety of the second half en route to their nine-point victory, during which the Violets held a lead as large as 13, 67-54, with 1:15 left.
 
"We talked during halftime about being more aggressive on the offensive side," continued Hall-Gregory. "We really did a better job of getting the ball inside and attacking the post. We were in more of an attack mindset."
 
Overall, four Violets scored in double figures, led by Peng. The point guard tied a career best with a game-high-tying 17 points. Maya Wasowicz scored 16 points in 16 minutes off the bench and was a perfect 3-of-3 from long range. Kaitlyn Read led all players with 11 rebounds and chipped in 13 points for her fourth double-double of the season and seventh of her career. Megan Dawe finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
 
With the victory, the Violets achieved their highest single-season win total under the direction of Hall-Gregory, now in her third season. Overall, the Violets are 51-25 (.671) with Hall-Gregory at the helm and are likely headed for their second straight NCAA Tournament.
 
"We're excited for Monday to see what happens for us," said Hall-Gregory. "I feel like we've put together a really good resume and hopefully we'll be considered to go to the NCAA Tournament. The girls are excited about the opportunity."
 
HIGHLIGHTS:
 
- Peng also had a game-best four assists in a game-high-tying 33 minutes in what was her final regular-season game at Coles.
 
- Bove-Domenech made her first career start on Saturday, chipping in two points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in seven minutes.
 
"These two seniors have been the foundation of our program," Hall-Gregory said. "They're quiet about it, but they're strong, humble and committed. Every day you know what you're going to get from these two seniors."
 
- Read also played 33 minutes for NYU, finishing with two assists, a game-high-tying two steals and a block.
 
- Emily Rowe finished with six points, six rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes off the bench.
 
NYU now awaits its postseason fate. The NCAA selection can be viewed HERE at 2:30 pm on Monday, March 2.