NYU's Historic 91-Game Winning Streak Concludes Against Scranton

New York University’s remarkable 91-game winning streak came to an end with a 60-52 loss to Scranton in the Final Four of the Division III NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2026. This defeat marked the conclusion of one of the longest unbeaten runs in college basketball history, with NYU (29-1) holding the second-longest winning streak in NCAA history, surpassed only by the University of Connecticut's 111-game streak from 2014 to 2017. The Violets were aiming for their third consecutive national championship but instead saw Scranton (32-0) advance to the title game.

ESPNThe GuardianNYU’s record 91-game win streak halted in women’s DIII Final Four

The match began with NYU struggling to find their rhythm, trailing 30-18 at halftime. Despite a strong push in the second half, where they cut the deficit to three points early in the third quarter, Scranton maintained their composure. NYU's final attempt to close the gap came in the fourth quarter when they reduced the lead to 56-52 with just 46 seconds remaining. However, Scranton secured their victory by converting free throws in the closing moments, including two by Meghan Lamanna.

ESPN

NYU's winning streak, which lasted nearly three full seasons, included back-to-back national titles and a record-breaking 82 consecutive wins, surpassing the previous Division III record held by Washington University of St. Louis. Head coach Meg Barber, who returned to her alma mater in 2018, built the Violets into a formidable program known for their full-court defense and fast-paced offense. Barber expressed pride in her team's journey, acknowledging the challenge posed by Scranton and emphasizing the importance of their accomplishments.

The Guardian

Senior Caroline Peper, the only player on NYU's roster with prior experience of losing a college game, led the team with 19 points in the semifinal. A tearful Peper reflected on her time with the team, stating, “This team really means the world to me. I couldn’t have picked a better team to go out with.”

The Guardian

In the aftermath of the game, Barber praised Scranton for their performance, stating, “I knew this was going to be a really tough matchup. They’re an incredible team on paper.” Additionally, UConn coach Geno Auriemma, whose program holds the longest winning streak in NCAA history, commended NYU's achievement, highlighting the difficulty of sustaining success over time regardless of the division.

The Guardian

While NYU's accomplishments have been celebrated, some critics argue that the significance of their streak is diminished by the level of competition in Division III. However, Auriemma countered this perspective, asserting that the challenges of maintaining excellence are universal across all levels of play.

Norwalk Hour

With their championship aspirations halted, NYU will look to regroup and rebuild for the next season, aiming to restore their winning ways and continue their legacy in Division III basketball.

The Guardian