Riverdale, NY (January 14, 2004)- Senior forward
Jason Benton tallied a double-double with a career-high 16 rebounds and 12 points, and senior
Luis Flores outscored Saint Peter's Keydren Clark, the nation's leading scorer, 32-22, as Manhattan claimed sole possession of first place in the MAAC with an 87-60 win over Saint Peter's tonight at Draddy Gym. The Jaspers improve to 10-3, 5-0 in MAAC play with their fifth straight win.
Manhattan raced out to a 34-12 lead over the game's first 13 minutes, holding Clark without a shot for the first six minutes and without a point until there was 11:52 left before the break. The Peacocks (8-6, 4-1 MAAC) cut the deficit to 13, 38-25, with 3:17 to play before halftime, but Benton connected on three free throws over the next minute as Manhattan carried a 41-25 lead in the break.
In the second half, the Jaspers gradually increased their advantage, eventually leading by as many as 32, 76-44, with 6:58 to play. Manhattan emptied its bench, but the lead never dropped below 24 the rest of the way.
Flores led all scorers with a game and season-high 32 points. Benton scored nine of his 12 points and pulled down 11 of his game-high 16 caroms in the first half, while recording a career-high tying four steals.
Mike Konovelchick broke out a shooting slump with 13 points on five-of-nine shooting. Manhattan held a 42-36 edge in rebounds, and forced 20 turnovers while tallying 15 steals.
Clark led the Peacocks with 22 points, five below his average. Jamie Sowers joined him in double-figures with 10 points.
The Jaspers get back in action on Sunday, January 18, when they host MAAC foe Fairfield in a game scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. The game follows the Fairfield-Manhattan women, which tip-off at 1:00 p.m.
