A defensive slugfest humbled the previously unbeaten NYU women's basketball Tuesday night as the Violets fell to Mount St. Mary, 49-37.
Now 4-1, NYU trailed Mount St. Mary (4-1) the entire game. While the Violets remained on the Knights' heels in both halves, they were plagued by 26 turnovers and failed to convert big shots and execute vital defensive stops.
"It was a tough loss," said senior captain and guard Cara Bonito, who had four points and one steal on the night. "We had too many turnovers, and we did not execute on the offensive side of the ball."
In the first half, NYU shot 21.7 percent (5-23) from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. Senior captain and guard Tana Bertino made the only two three-pointers of NYU's five attempts.
The first half was also marked by the disciplined play of the Knights, who allowed NYU to attempt only four free throws.
However, NYU would get ample chances from the line in the second half. The Violets shot 13 of 16 (81.6 percent) from the stripe in the second period.
Still, NYU's inability to convert from three-point range ultimately hindered its ability to make a comeback. The Violets were 0-6 from long range in the second half and shot a mere 20.8 percent from the field (5-24).
Mount St. Mary had a more consistent offense, making 31.4 percent of its shots from the field, 27.3 percent from beyond the arc and 70 percent from the free throw line overall.
Bertino lead the team with 11 points in 35 minutes. Senior forward Shelby Coon contributed seven points and 15 boards, while senior guard Bianca Storts added six points and eight rebounds of her own.
"This game was just like all the past NYU-Mount St. Mary battles — tough, physical defense throughout from both sides," head coach Stefano Trompeo said. "The outcome would be determined by who took care of the ball better and executed the best, and tonight, Mount St. Mary did a better job than we did."
The Violets will play again Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. when they travel a few blocks uptown to Baruch College. Baruch reached the NCAA Tournament last season.
