Trailing 37-26 late in the first half, NYU (9-0) pulled to within six at intermission, 39-33.
"Stevens came out very aggressive and caught us flat-footed early," revealed NYU head coach Janice Quinn. "They are a very good team, scrappy, fast-paced and athletic."
Sophomore Gena Brown started the comeback for the Violets, scoring five points in the final 1:09 of the first half. She finished the period with 13 points, hitting all five of her shots, including three three-pointers.
NYU pulled even with Stevens (8-2) on two free throws by senior Adrienne Rochetti with 17:20 remaining, and took the lead for good on another Brown trey with 13:06 left. It was the only shot Brown took in the second half.
She finished with a team-high 16 points.
"It was just a great performance by Gena," Quinn said.
After taking the lead, NYU extended its advantage to a game-high 15 points, 71-56, on sophomore Jessica McEntee's layup with 3:31 remaining.
Five players scored in double figures for the Violets, including Brown, McEntee (10), Rochetti (11), senior Stephanie Ryba (14), and senior Karen Bachman (10).
Bachman had game-high honors with 13 rebounds, while also adding three assists, three blocks and three steals.
"Just another terrific, all-around effort from Bach," Quinn offered.
Jean Matusiak and Dora Enright each had 17 points for Stevens.