Tailing 35-25 with 16:39 remaining in the game, NYU (8-3, 0-2 UAA) pulled to within two, 40-38, on Daniel Falcon`s layup with 9:20 to play.
Rochester (9-2, 2-1) re-established an eight-point lead, 49-41, on Seth Hauben`s jumper with 3:12 remaining. However, the Violets` Michael DeCorso and Jeff Gilkerson hit consecutive layups, and Jimmy Janeczek hit two free throws with 33 seconds left to bring NYU within 49-47.
After the Yellowjackets` Jeff Juron hit a free throw, NYU`s Jason Boone hit a layup and was fouled, but missed the potential game-tying free throw with 17 seconds left.
Gabe Perez hit two free throws with 14 seconds left to give Rochester a three-point lead. DeCorso missed a three-pointer with six seconds left, and after Rochester`s Brendan McAllister missed the front end of a one-and-one with three seconds to go, the Violets were not able to get off another shot before time expired.
Gilkerson finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds for NYU, while Falcon also finished with 10 points.
Hauben led all scorers with 23 points, while Perez finished with 12.