Bronx, NY (November 19, 2004)- The Lady Jaspers shot 20-24 from the free throw line in the second half to secure their first victory of the season, defeating Fordham tonight, 64-60 at Rose Hill Gymnasium. Senior guard Donnette Reed (Syracuse, NY/Nottingham) led all scorers with 25 points, handed out seven assists, and was 12-16 from the foul line. Vanessa Silva led Fordham with 17 points, while Monica Mack chipped in with 16.
Manhattan jumped out to a 13-6 lead in the first half, while holding Fordham scoreless for over six minutes during the half, and held the Rams without a field goal for 7:37 during that stretch. Manhattan maintained the lead throughout the half and went ahead 24-17 on a jumper in the lane by sophomore Danielle Cooper (Brooklyn, NY/Dwight) that went through the hoop as time expired in the first half.
The Lady Jaspers widened their lead to 36-23 when freshman Aubrie Dellinger (Lebanon, PA/Cedar Crest) nailed a jumper at 12:39 that gave Manhattan a 13-point lead. Manhattan would take a 14-point lead, its largest of the game, on a pair of free throws from Reed to make it a 46-32 game at the 6:15 mark. However, the Rams chipped away and cut the deficit to only two points at 62-60 with nine seconds remaining in regulation. The Rams fouled Reed, who sank two free throws to seal the game and give Manhattan its first victory of the season, and its second straight opening win under second-year head coach Myndi Hill.
The Lady Jaspers return to action on Wednesday, November 24, when they will travel to face Big East foe Syracuse. Game time is 12 noon.