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Men's Basketball Conquers Case Western Reserve as Nesci Collects 350th Win

02/08/08

Sophomore forward Keith Jensen led four New York University players in double digits with 16 points, as the Violets gave head coach Joe Nesci his 350th career victory with a 64-54 triumph over Case Western Reserve University in University Athletic Association (UAA) men's basketball action before 1,914 at the Jerome S. Coles Sports Center on Friday night in Manhattan.

In his 20th season, Nesci improved to 350-159 all-time. He ranks second all-time in both victories and games coached (509) on the Violets' coaching charts.

"If anything, it certainly represents the good fortune I've had to be here and coaching for the University as long as I have," Nesci said.

On this night, though, NYU (13-6, 4-4 UAA) relied on its customary scoring balance, placing four players in double-digits for the third straight game while recording their third consecutive victory. The last two have come against the Spartans (7-12, 0-8 UAA).

In addition to Jensen canning four triples to give him his team-high 16 points, senior guard Charlie Parker poured in 12 points. Freshman forward Richie Polan finished with 11 points, nine boards and four assists, while junior center John Mish added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Most importantly, the Violets limited Case Western Reserve to 32.1% (17-for-53) shooting, including just 23.1% (6-for-26) in the second half, and only 7.1% (1-for-14) from beyond the three-point arc. This included a span of 8:10 (12:08-3:58) during which they held the Spartans, who entered the evening averaging 78.9 points per game, without a field goal.

Even so, the Violets never scored a knockout run, instead using a 6-0 spurt in the final 79 seconds to take a 64-52 lead and ice the game.

"As far as the way the game went back and forth, it was kind of what we expected," Nesci noted. "I thought we'd really have to grind it out and make some stops on the perimeter."

Steve Young led Case Western Reserve with 16 points, five boards and four steals, while Kevin Herring tallied 11.

NYU took a 29-27 lead into the locker room after a first half that featured nine lead changes. The Violets shot 46.0% (23-for-50) from the field, including 54.5% (12-for-22) after the break, and 40.0% (8-for-20) from long distance.

NYU returns to action Sunday, Feb. 10, when it hosts UAA foe Emory University at noon. The Violets will be looking to complete a season sweep against the Eagles after earning a 78-71 victory last Friday in Atlanta.