Boone leads NYU in come-from-behind win over Ursinus, 64-61

MADISON, NJ – Jason Boone drained a layup with 17 seconds remaining in the game to help New York University come from behind to defeat Ursinus 64-61 in first round of the Rose City Classic at Drew University on Friday night.

            Michael DeCorso drained a three-pointer to knot the game at 61 and Boone hit the go-ahead layup to help the Violets (0-1) open their season with a victory and advance to the championship game against Drew on Saturday night. The Bears (0-1) will face Immaculata in the consolation game, who fell to the Rangers 83-67.

            Jared Kildare posted 21 points for the Violets, while Boone scored 16 points with eight rebounds and three blocks in the victory.

            Sophomore Nick Shattuck (Ardsley, PA/LaSalle) hit 9 of 13 from the field and went 4-for-6 from the line for a game-high 24 points. Brian McEvily (Interlaken, NJ/Red Bank Regional) was also in double figures with 19 points. Shattuck and McEvily combined for 21 of the 26 points scored in the second half by Ursinus.

             Down 60-53 with 4:17 left to play, Boone scored seven of the last nine points for the Violets for the win. After McEvily made the jumper for the seven-point lead, Boone sandwiched a free throw in between two jumpers to pull within two at 60-58.

            Joe Scholz (Bear, DE/St. Elizabeth’s) was sent to the line and converted one of two free throws to push the lead to three points. In the bonus, Fabian was fouled by Boone for two chances, but unable to connect with either shot. DeCorso grabbed the rebound and tossed up a three pointer at the 1:13 mark to make it 61-all.

            NYU stopped the Bears on their next possession and managed to take time off the clock, before Boone made his layup and helped the Violets take their first lead since the 17:11 mark of the first half. In the final three seconds, Matt Basford hit a free throw for the three-point margin and victory.

            Ursinus went on an 8-0 run, including six points from Shattuck in the final 3:18 in the first half for a 35-25 halftime advantage. The Bears took their biggest lead in the first two minutes of the second half thanks to two good layups from McEvily. Ursinus maintained its edge until the final minute of the game.    

            Pre-season All-American Mike McGarvey (Lower Gwynedd, PA/Penn Charter) contributed six points and five assists on the evening.

            The Bears return to action tomorrow in the consolation game against Immacualta. Game time is 6 p.m.