Piscataway, N.J. (December 29, 2007)- Manhattan staged a late rally to cut its deficit to five points with 44 seconds remaining, but did not complete the comeback, dropping a 73-67 decision to Rutgers University this afternoon at the Louis Brown Athletic Center.
Down by 20, 66-46, with 6:28 to play in the game, the Jaspers began to whittle away at the lead, using a 19-4 run to close the gap to 70-65. The Manhattan defense caused six turnovers and limited the Scarlet Knights to no field goals (0-5) during the 5:44 span to get the Jaspers back in the game. Manhattan did not close the gap further, as Rutgers converted from the line to preserve the win.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with three ties and six lead changes, as neither team led by more than six over the first 20 minutes of play. The Scarlet Knights held a 36-32 lead at the intermission.
Manhattan trailed by just one, 43-42, with 14:36 left in the game but went cold from the field, allowing Rutgers to embark on a 23-4 run that created the large deficit.
Antoine Pearson led all scorers with a game- and career-high 23 points. Brandon Adams added seven points and a game- and career-high 11 rebounds as Manhattan won the battle of the boards, 45-39, including a 21-11 advantage on the offensive glass.
The Japers return to MAAC play and kick off 2008 by hosting defending MAAC Tournament Champion Niagara University at Draddy Gym on Saturday, January 5. The game is slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.