NYU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are both ranked No. 1 in the UAA, with the women’s team undefeated for 53 straight games. The NCAA Championship begins March 7, marking these next two weekends as the end of regular season play. Both teams boast a high No. 1 and No. 2 rank nationally, looking to go far in the tournament. 

Sunday, Feb. 23 is senior day and both the teams are up against Case Western Reserve University, with the women facing off at 12:00 p.m. and the men following at 2:00 p.m. in the Paulson Center.

Ahead of this weekend’s games, our staff at WSN have made a couple of predictions — some of them substantive, some of them not so much.

Disclaimer: These predictions are just for fun and are not to be taken seriously. The WSN staff is, in fact, not liable for any of the events that transpire in the games cited below.

Sidney Snider, Sports Editor

Women’s basketball vs. CWRU: 108-47, W

This team has a fire under its feet, unlike anything I’ve seen on a court before. The players are constantly moving, not only blocking opponents’ shots — but also blocking them from being able to even attempt a shot. I’d put money on this win. Anyone up for some betting? Last time they played Case Western, they held the Spartans to only 31 points. I think they’ll let up a little bit this go-around, but still expect NYU to dominate with a triple-digit score.

Men’s basketball vs. CWRU: 89-64, W

When watching the men’s team play, it’s evident that no one player thinks he’s the best, but instead, they all want the best for the team. The Violets’ passing techniques are exceptional, and I expect another performance that has the team riled up — shoutout Brock Susko’s buzzer-beater — and the crowd on its feet. With its deep roster and win against Case Western less than a month ago, I am confident in this team on its senior day.

Levi Langley, Deputy Sports Editor

Women’s basketball vs. CWRU: 125-29, W 

Now, this score might seem like an exaggeration to anyone who has yet to see our women’s team play. But if you know, then you know that it is not out of reach for the Violets. Last time the women played Case Western, they won 107-31, and I don’t think this time will be any different — except for the Violets, who have only gotten better.

Men’s basketball vs. CWRU: 60-56, W

The men’s team will inevitably have a tougher time. When it last faced Case Western, the Violets escaped by only 7 points. But throughout the season so far, this is what most of its wins have looked like — slightly scathing by — and the team has nonetheless only dropped one game to maintain a 21-1 record all season. So, here we go again — Violets win, in a nail-biter. 

Matthew Singh, Deputy Sports Editor

Women’s basketball vs. CWRU: 95-55, W 

The women’s team will only win by about 40 points. Yes, I say only because the last time these two teams played, NYU won by 76 points. One reason NYU was so dominant was because the team forced 32 turnovers. Case Western — though it has lost three recent games in a row — is playing most teams closely. The team should be better prepared for the NYU press and it should be able to cut down on its turnovers. 

Men’s basketball vs. CWRU: 82-64, W 

The men’s game will definitely be closer, but NYU will still win comfortably. Case Western has struggled this season, but it played NYU competitively when they first faced off this season. That being said, the Violets are on a roll right now. The team has major momentum, winning the last nine games. Case Western, on the other hand, has lost four out of its last five games.

Kiran Komanduri, Photo Editor

Women’s basketball vs. CWRU: 106-40, W 

Watching the women’s team throughout this season has planted absolutely no doubt in my mind that this game will be a blowout. The Violets have been on a roll for 53 straight games now, and that energy isn’t going away any time soon. The team is sure to hold Case Western to a low score through a combination of its unbreakable full-court press and the strong offensive plays that make up the team’s strategy. 

Men’s basketball vs. CWRU: 78-63, W 

The men’s team, on the other hand, has had plenty of close calls this season. The last time it played Case Western, it won by just seven points. The team still has a strong record of 21-1 this season, but a fair share of those games have come down to the wire. The team has improved as the season has gone on, and currently stands at nine straight wins, so I don’t think this game will be quite as close as the last matchup against Case Western, but it’s sure to be an eventful meet. 

Krish Dev, Director of Creative & Digital Strategy

Women’s basketball vs. CWRU: 101-34, W

The women’s team will close out its regular season at home with another dominant win, surpassing its previous 76-point victory against Case Western by one point. NYU’s offense has been relentless, reaching triple digits in seven games this season with an average scoring margin of over 40 points. Expect senior guard Belle Pellecchia, graduate forward Natalie Bruns and junior guard Caroline Peper to each contribute double-digit points as they lead the team to a commanding finish before heading into the NCAA Championship.

Men’s basketball vs. CWRU: 86-72, W

The men’s team is looking to extend its winning streak of nine games on the bounce and end the season on a high with a win against Case Western. Last time the two sides played, the Violets won 80-73 in Cleveland, but the home advantage will help the Violets double their victory margin with graduate forward Tristan How leading the way.

Contact Sidney, Levi, Matthew, Kiran and Krish at [email protected].