Orlando, FL- Manhattan played a tough defensive game on Saturday afternoon at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Lady Jaspers worked hard to outperform the Stetson Hatters but failed to leave with a win, losing 57-55.
The Jaspers came out of the gates quickly, knocking down its first shots of the first quarter to take a 7-0 run over the Hatters. A close battle throughout the contest, including four lead changes and four ties in the first half alone, and neither team gaining a lead bigger than seven. The Jaspers maintained control, managing to lead for 14 minutes of the half. The Jasper high-intensity defense proved to be effective in the first, finishing with 15 rebounds and six steals. Additionally, the Jaspers caused ten turnovers and converted them into 14 points in the half. The Jaspers entered the second leading 31-30, despite a strong start Manhattan failed to walk away with a win.
The second half was just as tight a battle, the third-quarter ending in a tie at 42. Within the third, the Jaspers managed to convert 11 points and grab four rebounds.
Junior forward Brazil Harvey-Carr (Camden, NJ) hit a much-needed three-pointer with 1:14 left in the game to bring the score to 54-53 Stetson. On the next offensive drive, Courtney Warley got to the line sinking both free throws, to put the Jaspers ahead 55-54 with 45 seconds left in the game. However, Stetson managed to pull away with a narrow victory. The Jaspers ended the game with 26 rebounds, 19 of them coming from the defensive end.
Graduate student captain and 2021-22 MAAC Preseason First Team member Courtney Warley (West Chester, PA) joined the exclusive 1,000 point club amid the third quarter. Scoring a team-high 20 points in the game, Warley also added nine rebounds, three assists, and one block.
Freshman guard Bella Nascimento (Grafton, MA) ended the game with a career-high 13 points. Furthering her stellar performance Nascimento contributed three assists and one rebound.
Harvey-Carr proved her defensive prowess ending the game with six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
The Hatters were led by senior guard Yazz Wazeerud-Din (Marietta,GA), who was tabbed as an ASUN Preseason First Team member. Wazeerud-Din ended the competition with a game-high 22 points and two steals. This win leaves the Hatters with a 2-2 record.
Following the outcome of this game, the Jaspers now have a 3-2 record. The Jaspers will take on the LIU Sharks at 2:00 p.m. in Brooklyn for their next contest.
