LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Manhattan had a pair of chances to take the lead inside the final 90 seconds but came up empty on both opportunities in a 67-65 loss at Rider on Sunday afternoon.
"We didn't defend at a high enough level today to win," said interim head coach
RaShawn Stores. "We can't allow a team to shoot 48-percent and outrebound us by 15 and expect to win on the road in this league. We have to be committed to defending at a high level and gang rebound for 40 minutes. We will be better at that."
After Dwight Murray Jr. gave Rider (9-9, 6-3 MAAC) a 66-65 lead with 72 seconds to play,
Samir Stewart got free down the lane with 55 seconds to play but could not convert the layup.
The Manhattan (6-12, 4-5) defense forced a shot-clock violation on the next Broncs' possession to get another opportunity to tie or take the lead. It was Stewart who got the open look, a 3-pointer from the far wing, but it was off the mark too.
Nehemiah Benson made one-of-two free throws after the Jaspers fouled him with two seconds left to make it 67-65. Manhattan went the length of the court but could not get a shot up on its final possession.
Ant Nelson gave the Jaspers a 65-64 lead when he hit all three free throws after getting fouled on a 3-point attempt. After a Rider possession, Murray's go-ahead layup came after he picked off a Jasper pass.
The second half saw 11 lead changes and nine ties. Neither team led by more than five, and both teams led for at least six minutes of clock time. For the game, there were 17 lead changes, and Manhattan enjoyed the largest, six, early in the first half.
Josh Roberts led all scorers with 18 points on 7-7 shooting. Stewart and
Marques Watson finished with 12 points for the Jaspers. Nelson tallied a career-high 11 assists and added nine points and four rebounds.
Mervin James led the Broncs' offense with 16 points. Murray Jr. finished with eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Only Quinnipiac has shot better than Rider's 48-percent against the Jaspers in league play this season.
Manhattan hits the road this week for both games. The Jaspers visit Western New York to face Niagara on Friday and Canisius on Sunday.
For the latest on the Manhattan College men's basketball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter @JaspersMBB and Instagram @Jaspers.MBB.
