RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan split its weekend at home with a 64-59 win over Niagara on Sunday afternoon.
Ant Nelson had a game-high 24 points to lead Manhattan (5-10, 3-3 MAAC). The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Jaspers.
After the game, interim head coach
RaShawn Stores said, "This group has been through a lot this year. Today they showed their toughness and a next-man-up mentality. We believe in each other, no matter who is on the court."
Despite only hitting one 3-pointer on the day, the Jaspers shot 50-percent from the floor and limited the Purple Eagles to 37-percent. To make up for only hitting the one triple, the Jaspers hit 23 free throws. The Jaspers attempted 30 free throws compared to Niagara's (9-6, 4-2) 17.
In the second half, the Jaspers lived in the paint. Ten of the Jaspers' 11 made field goals in the second half came from there. The lone shot from outside the lane was a 3-pointer from
Raziel Hayun with 8:51 to play in the game.
Ant Nelson said, "It was time to put our hard hats on."
Nelson scored 12 of his second-half 15 from inside the lane. The other three came from the free-throw line.
In a game that saw neither team lead by more than six, the Jaspers tried to create some separation with an 8-0 run over 3:17 of the second half to build a 49-43 lead. Niagara responded with six in a row to level the score once again.
Noah Thomasson went to the line and made a pair of free throws with 3:29 remaining to give the Purple Eagles a 57-56 lead. From then on, the Jaspers outscored the Purple Eagles 8-2 to collect the win. Over that span, Manhattan limited Niagara to 1-5 shooting and did not send them to the free throw line.
Thomasson, the leading scorer in the MAAC, finished with 23 points for Niagara.
Nick Brennen tallied 13 points, including nine free throws.
Josh Roberts recorded 11 points, seven rebounds, and a season-best four rejections. Nelson added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals to his 24 points.
Nelson added, "We are trying to get a consistent effort from the whole team going forward."
Next for the Jaspers is a trip to Emmitsburg, Md., to face Mount St. Mary's on Friday at 7 p.m.
For the latest on the Manhattan College men's basketball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter @JaspersMBB and Instagram @Jaspers.MBB.
