Box Score NIAGARA, N.Y. - Manhattan College battled 40 miles per hour winds and mounds of snow to get to Niagara, before they blew past the Purple Eagles on the court, 64-53 tonight in MAAC play.
Leyla Ozturk scored a career-high 20 points and six rebounds for Manhattan (11-4, 4-2 MAAC). Ines Gimenez Monserrat added 18 points and three steals for the Jaspers.
Aaliyah Parker recorded 20 points and seven rebounds for Niagara (6-11, 3-4). Amelia Strong added 13 points and seven rebounds for the Purple Eagles.
"Incredibly proud of this team win tonight. Everyone was locked into our defensive game plan," said head coach Heather Vulin. "Plus, Leyla had a career-high in points with 20 and had 5 blocks. Simply sensational!"
The Jaspers dominated the first quarter scoring 23 points and shooting 61.5 percent from the field including 4/5 from the three point line. This was enough to give them a nine-point lead at the end of the quarter. Scoring slowed down in the second quarter, with both teams struggling to connect from the field, resulting in a 31-25 halftime lead for Manhattan.
Niagara was able to cut the deficit to 33-30 with 6:32 remaining in the third quarter, but this was the closest they would get to claiming the lead in the second half. Manhattan was able to consistently get to the rim in the third quarter, connecting on seven layups in the quarter. The Jaspers took a 45-35 lead into the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter proved to be more of the same for the Manhattan offense as they were able to score 19 points, never allowing their lead to slip below eight.
Manhattan shot 46 from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point. They had 36 points in the paint and four bench points.
Niagara shot 30.2 percent from the field and 0.0% from three-point. They had 30 points in the paint and six bench points.
The Jaspers will travel to play Canisius College on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. in the Koessler Athletic Center.
Tickets: To purchase season or individual tickets, visit gojaspers.universitytickets.com. For any questions call 718-862-7297 or email tickets@manhattan.edu.
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