RIVERDALE, NY. - Manhattan College men's basketball fell to FDU, 76-71 on Friday night at Draddy Gymnasium.
Shaquil Bender recorded a career-high 21 points, the most by a Jasper this season, including five made three-pointers. He also pulled down eight rebounds.
Seydou Traore was just shy of a double-double as he registered nine points and a career-high 17 rebounds.
"Give credit to FDU. They went on a 12-0 run," said
Coach Gallagher. "The only time during the game we didn't handle their pressure. We didn't have much clarity but we have great clarity right now. We will get the work started on Monday."
Manhattan's five made three-pointers in the first half, led to a 36-33 advantage at the break over visiting FDU. The Knights led the way shooting 40.6 percent from the floor to 38.9 from the field for the Jaspers, but it was Manhattan's defense that was the difference maker - four steals aiding in 14 fastbreak points.
Ansley Almonor led FDU with 24 points and eight rebounds. Sean Moore added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Knights.
FDU outscored Manhattan, 43 to 35 in the second half to secure the road win. The Jaspers struggled from the free throw line shooting 3-for-8 in the second half and 6-for-13 for the game. Manhattan led by as many as 12 points with 8:39 left in the game. The Knights slowly chipped away and scored 42 points in the paint compared to Manhattan's 28, which led to them escaping with the win.
Manhattan (4-5) will return to Draddy on Saturday, December 30, as it hosts Wagner to close out the 2023 calendar year. Tip–off is set for 7 p.m.
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