ATLANTA, GA – 88-80 road victory over the University of Rochester marked the fourth consecutive win for the #22-ranked New York University men’s basketball team, and secured a season-series sweep of the Yellowjackets for the third year running. Now, the Violets prepare for their final away game of the regular season, a afternoon matchup against Emory University in Atlanta.
NYU controlled the tempo from the opening tip, racing to a 15-5 lead in the first five minutes fueled by efficient shooting – connecting on 7 of their first 8 field goal attempts. Carnegie Johnson then ignited the Violets’ offense with back-to-back three-pointers, extending the lead to 29-17. Rochester attempted to respond, trimming the deficit to three points with a 9-0 run, but NYU quickly regained control with a 7-2 counter-run, taking a 49-38 advantage into halftime.
The Violets appeared to be pulling away early in the second half, building a 56-43 lead. However, Rochester demonstrated resilience, embarking on a 9-2 run to close the gap to six points with just under 12 minutes remaining. Bryan Moussako then stepped up for NYU, sinking a pair of crucial three-pointers that pushed the Violets’ lead back to double digits, 71-60.
Rochester refused to concede, mounting a late charge with five consecutive points to make it a two-possession game, 84-75, with under three minutes to play. But NYU closed the game decisively, converting four free throws to seal the victory and prevent a Rochester comeback.
A hallmark of the Violets’ performance was their balanced scoring attack. Six NYU players reached double figures, including all five starters. Carnegie Johnson led the way with a game-high 21 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Luke Kolaja nearly recorded a double-double, contributing 10 points and a team-best eight rebounds. The depth of scoring proved crucial in maintaining NYU’s advantage throughout the contest.
The win over Rochester underscores NYU’s consistent performance this season. The Violets have established themselves as a formidable force in the University Athletic Association (UAA), and their ability to sweep the season series against a competitive Rochester team speaks to their depth and tactical flexibility. The team’s consistent success is built on a foundation of strong shooting, effective rebounding, and a commitment to balanced scoring.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against Emory, the Violets will be aiming to continue their winning streak and solidify their position in the UAA standings. Emory presents a different challenge, and NYU will need to maintain their focus and execution to secure a victory on the road. The game also marks Emory’s Alumni Day, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and potential intensity to the contest.
The January 18, 2026, contest between NYU and Emory resulted in a victory for NYU. Details of that game are available via Emory University’s athletics website. While the outcome of that earlier matchup provides some historical context, it will not necessarily predict the result of Sunday’s game. Both teams have evolved since then, and the current form of key players will be a significant factor.
NYU’s success this season has been driven by a collective effort, with multiple players stepping up in key moments. Johnson’s scoring prowess, Kolaja’s rebounding ability, and Moussako’s clutch shooting are just a few examples of the contributions that have propelled the Violets to their current record. The team’s ability to adapt to different opponents and maintain a high level of play will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and prepare for the postseason.
The Emory game represents a significant opportunity for NYU to close out their regular-season road schedule on a high note. A win would not only boost their confidence but also strengthen their position in the UAA standings, potentially influencing their seeding in the upcoming conference tournament. The Violets will be looking to build on their recent success and continue their pursuit of a UAA championship.
