Raleigh, NC (March 20, 2004) - In the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, the Jaspers fell to fourth-seeded Wake Forest by four, 84-80. Wake Forest was led by freshman guard Chris Paul who recorded a game high 29 points, adding a game high eight rebounds and six assists. Wake Forest shot 50.9% from the field and 40% from the three point line. Manhattan finished its season with an overall record of 25-6, placing second in Jasper history for the most wins in a season. Senior Luis Flores tallied a team high 20 points.
The first 8:13 of the first half consisted of five ties and one lead change. During that run, with two Dave Holmes free throws the Jaspers took their first lead of the night, 10-9, at the 15:38 mark. Wake Forest regained the lead with 15:21 remaining and held that lead for the remainder of the half. The Demon Deacons finished the half on a 12-4 run extending their lead to 48-35.
With a 9-2 run the Jaspers cut the lead to four to start the half, making the score 50-46 with 17:21 left. Peter Mulligan nailed a three pointer to bring Manhattan within two, 53-51, at the 14:19 mark. Wake Forest went on a 7-2 run to make the score 60-53 with 12:50 remaining. In the last ten minutes of action Manhattan came within three four different times. Jason Benton recorded two straight baskets with a little over two remaining, to pull Manhattan within two, 80-78 with 1:53 remaining. Chris Paul tallied a basket to give the Demon Deacons the four point edge, but Holmes made two of three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt to put Manhattan back within two with :43 seconds left. The Jaspers pressured Paul and almost forced a turnover, but a jump ball was called with the possession arrow going to Wake Forest. On the ensuing inbounds play, the Demon Deacons got the ball to Paul, who found Trent Strickland alone under the basket for a dunk to put the Demon Deacons up four, 84-80, with 10 seconds left.
Manhattan had four players in double figures, led by Flores' 20. Dave Holmes recorded 19 points and eight rebounds, Peter Mulligan tallied 13 points and seven rebounds, and Jason Benton added 10.
Chris Paul was joined in double figures by Jamaal Levy and Vytas Danelius who both tallied 12 and Taron Downey who recorded 10
Manhattan ends its season 25-6. The 25 wins in the second most in school history, tied with the 1991-92 team, and one less than the school record of 26, recorded by the 1994-95 team.