BUFFALO, N.Y. - Manhattan women's basketball (12-4, 5-2 MAAC) used a team effort this afternoon to complete a come-from-behind win to defeat Canisius College, 58-55, today at the Koessler Athletic Center.
"Incredible road win against a very good Canisius team," said Head Coach Heather Vulin. "Really proud of the fight of this group and everyone locked into helping this team win."
Leading the Jaspers was Nitzan Amar scoring 15 points, recording five assists and rebounds. Leyla Ozturk added 14 points while Anne Bair had 11 points.
Canisius (10-7, 5-3 MAAC) controlled the first quarter, finishing the frame with a 10-point advantage (17-7) against the Jaspers. Manhattan came fighting back in the second quarter, using a 21-point offensive outburst to tie the game at halftime, 28-28.
Manhattan was able to take a 34-31 lead with 8:15 remaining in the third quarter, but were quickly answered by the Golden Griffins, who responded with a 12-2 run to give themselves a 43-36 lead. The Jaspers scored on their last possession of the quarter, making the score 43-38 at the end of three.
Manhattan got it going on the offensive end once again in the fourth quarter, scoring the first seven points of the quarter to reclaim the lead, 45-43, with 7:45 remaining in the contest. The teams went back and forth trading buckets resulting in a 51-51 score with 1:14 remaining. A three pointer by Bair with 52 seconds remaining would give the Jaspers a 54-51 lead and they would not look back. The teams would then each go 4/4 from the free throw line in the final minute giving the Jaspers a 58-55 edge with 8 seconds left. Canisius would get off a potential game tying three pointer but it was off the mark, giving the Jaspers their fifth win of MAAC play.
Canisius shot 38.5 percent from the field goal and 35 percent from the 3-point line as a team. Their charge was led by Sisi Eleko who finished with 19 points and nine assists. Mackenzie Amalia added 14 points and six points for the Griffs.
Manhattan shot 42.3 percent from the field goal and 23.5 percent from the 3-point line as a team. The Jaspers had 22 points in the paint and 16 bench points.
Manhattan will host Marist College on Thursday, Jan, 25. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
For the latest on the Manhattan College women's basketball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter @Manhattan_WBB and Instagram @Manhattanwbb and like "Manhattan Jaspers Women's Basketball" on Facebook.
