Buffalo, NY (February 6, 2004) - With two free throws by Jenel Stevens with 16.3 seconds remaining in the game, the Golden Griffs held on for a 65-61 victory over the Lady Jaspers. Junior
Donnette Reed recorded a season high 22 points, including 16 points in the second half. Manhattan slips to 8-12 overall and 4-7 in the MAAC.
The first half started off back and forth but at the 13:20 mark, but after a Jess Steeves basket, Canisius tied the game and sprung a 10-0 run, taking the lead by a score of 21-13. The Lady Jaspers would bounce back with a run of their own at the 6:07 mark, recording an 8-0 run, pulling within four, 25-21. Canisius tallied five consecutive free throws and Cheri Wittlieb made a layup, helping the Golden Griffs end the half ahead, 33-23.
The Lady Jaspers jumped out on a 10-4 run to begin the second half, closing the gap to four at 37-33. Manhattan kept the game close and eventually the Lady Jaspers pulled within two at the 2:57 mark with a
Rosalee Mason layup, making the score 61-59. After a Lonnie Brown jumper for Canisius made the score 63-59, Reed stole the ball and made a layup to pull Manhattan back within two at the 1:22 mark, making the score 63-61. However, two free throws by Jenel Stevens with 16.3 seconds left sealed the victory for the Golden Griffs, 65-61.
Reed was joined in double figures by Mason who tallied 15 points, including a game-high 15 rebounds, and
Nikoletta Deutsch who recorded 11 points.
Lonnie Brown tallied a game high 23 points for the Golden Griffs, and Jenel Stevens added 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Lady Jaspers will finish out their Buffalo, NY trip on Sunday, February 8, when they face Niagara University at 1 pm.
