Manhattan University Athletics

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Manhattan women's basketball team will enjoy a trip out west for Thanksgiving, headed to Phoenix, Ariz. for a pair of games in the Grand Canyon University Thanksgiving Classic.

The team will play Friday at 2 p.m. eastern time against one of the many new member of NCAA Division I this year, Lindenwood University out of St. Charles Mo. The following day, the Jaspers will take the court against the University of North Dakota. This will be the first time the Green and White have played either team.

Manhattan will enter the week sporting a 1-3 record after hanging out to take down Howard last week, 56-54. The game was close all throughout but was sealed when Dee Dee Davis stole away the Bison's inbound pass as time expired. Thus far, Davis as continued to provide her signature offensive production, averaging 15.8 points per game. Petra Juric made her return to the lineup against Howard and made her presence felt immediately. She finished the game with a monster double-double, recording 21 points and 14 rebounds, both career highs for the sophomore.

The Lions of Lindenwood, who will arrive out west still searching for their first Division I victory, coming in at 0-3. They have suffered setbacks against Eastern Michigan, Central Arkansas and Cincinnati thus far. The offensive has been led by Emily Benzschawel, who has been providing 13.5 points per game for the former Great Lakes Valley Conference member.  

North Dakota, out of Grand Forks N.D., will arrive in Arizona at an even 2-2. They started 2-0 but have suffered two consecutive losses against Montana State and Montana. The Fighting Hawks offensive attack has been spearheaded by Kacie Borowicz, who has provided 23.5 points per contest, including 35 in against Montana. As a team, they have been efficient from the field, shooting just over 40 percent early on in the 2022-2023 campaign.