Ranked #1 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll and #4 by d3hoops.com, Chicago (16-1, 5-1) entered the game as one of only two undefeated teams remaining in NCAA Division III.
"It wasn't the best game we've played this year, but a win against any of the top teams in the UAA is huge, both home and on the road," said NYU head coach Janice Quinn.
The Violets (16-1, 5-1), currently ranked #12 and #15 in the respective polls, were led by sophomore Jessica McEntee, who posted the first double double-double (23 points, 20 rebounds) of her career and reached career bests in both categories.
NYU trailed by nine points, 15-6, early in the first half before going on a 30-5 run to take the lead for good. Senior Stephanie Ryba scored 12 of her 16 points during that stretch, while McEntee had five.
"Jess is growing and learning everyday. She's getting smarter and working harder," said Quinn of her four-time UAA Co-Player of the Week and two-time PrestoSports/Metropolitan Basketball Writers' Association Player of the Week. "While I'm thrilled with the numbers she has, I'm even happier that she's adopting that NYU 'refuse to lose' mentality."
The Violets led 43-29 at the break, then expanded their lead to a game-high 18 points on senior Adrienne Rochetti's two free throws with 18:02 remaining.
Chicago then went on a furious rally and pulled within four, 51-47, on a three-pointer by Jamie Stinson with 10:18 remaining.
That was as close as the Maroons got, however, as a 7-1 NYU streak re-established a double-digit lead for the Violets and Chicago did not get any closer than seven points the rest of the way.
Rochetti finished with 13 points, while senior Karen Bachman contributed 12 rebounds, tied a career high with six assists, and added three blocks.
Nicaya Rapier scored 16 points for Chicago, as did Nofi Mojidi, who came into the contest leading the UAA in scoring with 18.0 ppg.
NYU, Chicago and Washington University of St. Louis, who the Violets play this Sunday, are all tied for first place in the UAA with identical 5-1 records.
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