For the first time in 14 years, the New York University men's basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament.
 
The Violets (20-5) received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship and were selected to host their first-round game against Misericordia University. The contest will be played on Thursday, March 1, at 7:00 pm at the Coles Sports Center.
 
“It was a great thing to watch the players celebrate,” said Violet head coach Joe Nesci of the team gathering to hear the news. “It was really well-deserved and hard-earned.
 
“The fact that we're playing at home is a nice thing for our fans, but we're just glad to have the opportunity to compete,” he added. “We have a lot of respect for all our opponents, but I think we have a great chance any time we step on the floor.”

Click here to watch the Violets react to finding out that they made the NCAA Tournament.
 
Misericordia earned its first-ever NCAA bid by winning the Freedom Conference. For the season, the Cougars went 21-6 overall and 11-3 in their conference. Misericordia enters the first-round NCAA contest on a 12-game winning streak.
 
This will be the first-ever meeting between NYU and Misericordia in men's basketball. The winner will travel to #2 Amherst College on Saturday for a second-round matchup at 6:00 pm.
 
The Violets made seven straight NCAA appearances from 1991-92 to 1997-98, all under Nesci. The squad advanced to the National Championship Game in 1993-94, falling in overtime to Lebanon Valley College.
 
Dating back to its Division I days, this marks NYU's 15th NCAA Tournament appearance.

Keep checking www.gonyuathletics.com for updates.
 
To see the complete bracket, click here.