Pappa's Free Throws Propel NYU-Poly to Record Win

BROOKLYN, NY- With just under 2:00 to play in Thursday night's Skyline Conference matchup against Sage Colleges, the NYU-Poly women's basketball team looked like it may have to wait for the elusive win #13 (school record).  Sage's Elizabeth Donk had just scored to tie the game at 51-51 to eliminate NYU-Poly's long held lead.

But, a huge three pointer by senior Kristin Leitheuser (Pleasant Valley, NY) just seconds later gave NYU-Poly breathing room. But, the resilient Lady Gators fought back to keep it within a possession.  Junior Margaux Pickell (Howeel, NJ) hit four straight foul shots, but Sage would answer each pair with a layup to set up the drama with under 9 seconds to play.

Down 58-56, the Gators fouled freshmen Ryane Pappa (Naperville, IL). Like a senior with big-time game experience would do, Pappa drained both free throws to seal the 61-56 win for NYU-Poly.

NYU-Poly improves to 13-5 and 9-3 in the Skyline while Sage falls to 8-11 and 7-7 in the conference. Sage's winning streak ends at three while NYU-Poly's continues, now at four straight.

The Lady Jays were led by Pickell, who recorded her 16th double-double of the year with 16 points and 17 boards. Freshmen Tabitha Larsen (Ramsey, NJ) racked up 16 points, including a stellar 4-for-6 from behind the arc. Sophomore Shelby Bruns (Elko, NV) tallied another double-double as she chalked up 10 points and 12 rebounds.  Leitheuser added 15 points to round out the double-digit performers for NYU-Poly.

NYU-Poly is back in action Saturday night with an 8:30pm contest at home against Yeshiva University.