Flagstaff, Ariz. (November 26, 2005)--Manhattan Women's Basketball was unable to overcome a second straight night at 7,000 feet above sea level as well as 25 turnovers, as the Lady Jaspers fell to Northern Arizona by a score of 65-51 in the La Quinta Inn and Suites Thanksgiving Tournament Championship Game. Manhattan sophomore
Caitlin Flood earned All-Tournament honors for the Lady J's.
Flood, who recorded 14 points and six rebounds in Friday night's victory over Army, led the Lady Jaspers with 11 points on Saturday evening at the Walkup Skydome. The New Jersey product nailed a three with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half to give the Lady J's a 17-14 advantage, but the Lumberjacks responded with 16-3 run in which Manhattan committed five turnovers.
Manhattan senior guard, and Arizona native,
Lupe Godinez put an end to the spurt when she hit three-pointer from the right arc with 23 seconds remaining in the first half. Northern Arizona forward Megan Porter, who finished with a game-high 18 points, answered right back by converting a layup in the waning seconds of the half to give NAU a 32-23 lead at the break.
Less than three minutes into the second half, Manhattan sophomore guard
Aubrie Dellinger knocked down a baseline jumper from the rightside to pull the Lady Jaspers within 37-30, but that would be the closest they Lady J's would get.
Despite their inability to secure their third straight victory, the Lady Jaspers managed to outshoot their opponent for the third consecutive game, as Manhattan shot 45 percent from the field.
The Lady J's return to the hardwood back within the friendly confines of Draddy Gym on December 2, when Bronx rival Fordham University travels to Riverdale. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.
