The top-ranked New York University men's basketball team opened play in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament with a 72-36 win over Cortland on Friday, March 7, in York, PA.

The Violets, now 25-1 this season, tied the program record for most wins in a season. Only NYU's 1993-94 squad reached 25 victories.

Friday's game was over early, as the Violets scored the first five points and never trailed.

The lead increased to 40-14 at halftime and continued to grow to a game-high 41 points in the second half.

University Athletic Association (UAA) Player of the Year Tristan How led NYU with a double-double of 17 points (including 7-of-8 from the field) and 11 rebounds.

Brock Susko was NYU's only other double-figure scorer with 16 points.

Jack Stone and Leyi Adebayo each scored eight points.

Hampton Sanders had a team-high four assists, while adding seven points and seven rebounds.