Halftime Lead Doesn’t Hold in Loss at NYU

Stats

Feb. 11 - (NEW YORK, N.Y.) – Carnegie Mellon used an impressive offensive and defensive first half to put them in position to upset #8 New York University, as they led by one at the break but faltered in the end, losing 86-66 on the road. The Tartans are now 8-14 and 2-9 in the University Athletic Association, while NYU moves to 20-2 and 9-2.

The Tartans opened with a 6-0 run and answered everything the Violets would toss in during the first period on their way to a 39-38 lead. Junior guard Leah Feola (Pittsburgh, Pa./Canevin Catholic) scored 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting and sophomore forward Ashley Rothwell (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mount Alvernia) contributed eight points in the half.

Carnegie Mellon continued to lead in the second half and was up 44-40 with 16:51 to play before NYU took at 52-47 lead on a three-pointer by junior Chelsea Trout at the 14:29 mark. Carnegie Mellon answered with a jumper by sophomore guard Corey Innes (Commerce, Mich./Lakeland) to get within three but that was as close as the Tartans would come the rest of the day.

Feola led the Tartans with a 23-point, six rebound performance. Rothwell totaled 12 for the game and five boards.

Jessica McEntee led five NYU players in double-digits with 22 points. She also pulled down a game-high 14 boards, while Gena Brown had a game-high six assists.

The Tartans return home to face Washington (Mo.) University and the University of Chicago next weekend. Friday’s tip is set for 6:00 p.m.