NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Manhattan got a double-double from
Josh Roberts in a 71-60 loss at Iona on Friday night.
In the losing effort, Roberts posted 14 points and 18 rebounds for Manhattan (9-15, 7-8 MAAC).
"Tough one tonight. We let them get going early, especially Clayton. We continue to battle," said interim head coach
RaShawn Stores. "We lean on Josh a lot on the glass. We have to continue to stay together."
Iona (19-7, 12-3) hit six first-half 3-pointers and went 5-5 from the free-throw line to build a 35-24 advantage at the half. Manhattan only attempted one free throw in the first 20 minutes. The Jaspers and Gaels both shot under 40-percent in the opening half.
The second half started with a 10-1 Iona run to extend the lead to 20, 45-25. The Jaspers responded quickly with a 10-2 spurt over the next 2:39. Roberts supplied five in the stretch. The 10-2 spurt was part of a larger 17-9 run that brought the Jaspers to within 12, 54-42, with 10:33 to play.
Ant Nelson had six, including a contested-one-handed floater in the lane.
Over the final 10 minutes, the Jaspers and Gaels played even, with Manhattan holding an 18-17 edge. Roberts had seven of the Jaspers' 18.
Nelson also posted 14 points on the night. The guard added five assists and three rebounds.
Samir Stewart made it three Jaspers in double figures with 12.
Adam Cisse came off the bench and chipped in seven points and eight rebounds.
Walter Clayton Jr. had a game-high 23 points to lead Iona. Daniss Jenkins and Nelly Junior Joseph had double-doubles for the Gaels.
The Jaspers return to action on Sunday at Fairfield. The Jaspers and Stags tip at 2 p.m. on ESPN3.
For the latest on the Manhattan College men's basketball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter @JaspersMBB and Instagram @Jaspers.MBB.
