Niagara University, N.Y. (February 13, 2006)-
Jason Wingate hit two free throws with 19 seconds left, and
Mike Konovelchick blocked a jumper by Lorenzo Miles and corralled the rebound to seal Manhattan's 82-81, overtime win at Niagara tonight at the Gallagher Center. The Jaspers overcame a seven point overtime deficit to improve to 16-8 overall and 12-4 in MAAC play, while Niagara falls to 10-14, 7-9 in MAAC play.
The Purple Eagles sank two three pointers and a free throw to begin the overtime, and the outcome looked bleak for the Jaspers, but Manhattan's seniors took over, leading the team to its third win at Niagara in the last four years.
Niagara took an early five point lead, and led by four, 14-10, before Manhattan outscored the Purple Eagles 32-15 over the last 10:36 to take a 13 point lead, 42-29, into the break.
The second half was a mirror image of the first, as the Jaspers led by as many as 17, 48-31, before Niagara began to chip away at the lead, eventually knotting the score at 71 on a jumper by JR Duffey with 25 ticks remaining. Both teams had a chance to take the lead in regulation, but the game seemed destined for overtime, much like the game at Niagara a year ago, won by the Purple Eagles by two on the last play of overtime.
Jeff Xavier notched his third straight double-double, registering 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Arturo Dubois matched Xavier's 21 points, adding seven boards, five assists, and a game-high four blocks. Wingate scored 14 points while dishing out a career-high eight helpers, while Konovelchick chipped in with 12 points, six boards, and three steals.
Clif Brown led all scorers with 28 points, adding 12 rebounds for Niagara.
Manhattan returns to action on Saturday, February 18, hosting Long Beach State at 1:00 p.m. at Draddy Gym. The top 20 Jaspers from the first 100 seasons of Manhattan basketball will be honored at halftime.
