The Violets (7-1), who entered the game ranked No. 2 in the nation, scored the first four points of the game. But, the Bearcats (8-1) scored the next seven points and never lost the lead.
After Adrienne Rochetti`s jumper brought the Violets to within five, 28-23, Baruch embarked on a 13-4 run before settling for a 43-33 halftime lead.
Baruch maintained a double-digit lead most of the second half and was by 10 points, 61-51, with six minutes left.
At that point, NYU made a final run. Sparked by consecutive layups by Chantal Kazay and Stephanie Huhn, the Violets went on a 13-4 run and closed to within one point, 65-64, with 1:09 remaining on a three-pointer by Rachel Wojdowski.
However, Baruch held the lead as Diane Ramirez answered with a jumper, and Jessenia Marrero followed with a steal and two free throws.
After Wojdowski hit two free throws with 10 seconds left, Ramirez made one of two free throws to give the Bearcats a four-point lead before Wojdowski hit a layup right before the final buzzer.
Wojdowski finished with 23 points and nine rebounds for NYU, while Kazay finished with a "double-double" of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Huhn contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Katie Higier added 11 points for NYU.
Ally Stamatiades led Baruch with 19 points. Chiresses Paradise had 17, while Ramirez and Marrero finished with 16 and 11, respectively.