The Violets (14-3, 3-3) trailed 62-56 after the Maroons' Drew Adams hit two free throws with 3:10 remaining.
Senior Michael DeCorso brought NYU within two on a lay-up with 2:20 left, then the Violets pulled to within two on senior Daniel Falcon's lay-up with 2:02 remaining.
Then, despire numerous opportunites by both teams in the final two minutes, there was no more scoring.
NYU's final chance came on an inbounds play with 4.4 seonds left. Senior Chael Clark sent a full-length inbounds pass to senior Jason Boone, who grabbed it and tried to send a bounce pass to senior Matt Basford. Chicago's Jake Pancratz broke up the pass and, although Basford was able to gain possession right before the final buzzer, his shot attempt did not reach the basket.
NYU fell behind early in the contest by as many as 10 points, but a late flurry in the first half gave the Violets a 30-29 lead at the intermission.
The game remained close throughout the second stanza, with Chicago's late six-point lead being the largest by either team.
Boone finished with game highs of 19 points and 11 rebounds. He also had four blocks and four assists.
DeCorso contributed 16 points for NYU.
Brandon Woodhead and Nate Hainje each had 14 points for Chicago (14-3, 5-1).