The Judges proved that basketball games are not unlike theatrical productions in their 71-68 home victory over University Athletic Association rival New York University at home on Saturday. The Judges (1-2 UAA, 3-7 overall) entered the game fresh off their second victory of the season, a 69-56 trouncing of Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Wednesday. The win put an end to a disheartening four-game losing streak. With renewed confidence, the Judges put on their best performance of the season against NYU (0-3 UAA, 8-5).

The win was truly a team effort, as several Brandeis players starred at different times. The opening act began with center Bryan Lambert '04 at center stage. Lambert scored five points in the first five minutes of play before his time in the spotlight was cut short due to foul trouble. Guard Greg Kristof '04 was able to pick up where Lambert left off, scoring eight of his 11 first-half points between the 14:08 and 10:35 marks. NYU was unable to counter as its big men struggled to convert inside despite a distinct height advantage. Although the home team controlled the tempo early on, the Judges had only an 18-16 due in large part to their five team fouls.

The next 10 minutes of the first half did not go as well for Brandeis. The Judges missed seven consecutive field goals before Kristof hit a three-pointer with 1:43 remaining for his final basket of the game. Meanwhile, NYU continued to convert on Brandeis turnovers and their own free throw, taking a 24-19 lead with 2:18 remaining in the first half of play. As the half drew to a close, the Judges returned to their earlier form, scoring seven points in the final two minutes. At halftime, the Judges trailed 26-24.

As the curtain opened for the second act, each side traded baskets for the first three minutes with NYU maintaining a narrow 30-29 lead. Violets freshman guard James Janeczek quickly emerged, scoring 14 of his game-high 20 points in the second half. He orchestrated a 6-0 Violet run that gave NYU a 36-29 lead with 15:42 remaining in the game.

A game Brandeis had once controlled appeared as though it was rapidly slipping away. This time, however, the Judges were able to respond like they haven't at any point this season, executing Head Coach Chris Ford's offense effectively and consistently. With Lambert again leading the way, Brandeis went on a 13-3 run over five minutes, and when the clock showed 10:50 remaining, the Judges had a 42-39 lead.

The Violets then rebounded exactly as the Judges had, going on a 13-0 run of their own behind three pointers from Janczek and freshman guard Jared Kildare. With 6:52 remaining, the score stood at 53-42 in favor of NYU.

Just as it looked like this latest NYU rally would finally doom the Judges, two players stepped up at a crucial juncture. As if on cue, forward Tim Diehl '04 and guard Jules Judy '06 ignited the Brandeis offense. Over the next six minutes, Diehl scored five points and Judy scored 12, including three treys. But the scoring onslaught did not give Brandeis the lead; rather it only kept them in the game as NYU held on to a 68-67 lead.

With 32.9 seconds left, Kildare made a steal and was immediately fouled by Lambert to stop the clock. But on NYU's ensuing possession, senior guard Michael Irwin threw a pass out of bounds.

Down one, Brandeis got the ball back with 7.4 seconds remaining. Diehl caught a pass on the perimeter and drove hard into the lane. He laid the ball softly off the glass and was able to draw a foul in the process. He stepped to the line with the hope of giving the Judges a two point lead. The crowd fell silent and Coach Chris Ford implored his players not to foul.

Diehl stared at the rim, held the ball for a moment and then released. The shot rimmed out. As the two teams fought for the rebound, Diehl hustled into the lane after it and came away with the ball. He was immediately fouled to stop the clock with two seconds left.

Diehl returned to the line for an encore performance, hitting both of his foul shots to give the Judges a 71-68 lead.

On the last possession of the game, NYU took a desperation shot after a full-court pass, but the ball hit the side of the backboard and fell harmlessly out of bounds.

According to Ford, the Judges rediscovered some of their missing intangibles during the NYU nail-biter.

"I think we played with more intensity and we did a great job hitting perimeter shots," Coach Ford said. "We were down nine points late in the game and we played great defense and we executed. It's always nice to win a game because guys execute."

After four straight losses, the Judges now have a two-game winning streak. The players truly believe they'll look back on this game as a turning point in what has thus far been a disappointing season.

"We're a very young team, but we're learning with each game and we're headed in the right direction," Diehl said.

The Judges look to extend their winning streak on Friday at UAA foe Case Western Reserve University.