RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan College men's basketball team fell to Niagara 81-67 at Draddy Gymnasium in another conference tilt.
The Jaspers (4-8, 1-2) were led in scoring by
Shaquil Bender who recorded a Jasper season-high 30 points, including five three-pointers.
Seydou Traore added 11 points and six rebounds for Manhattan.
Niagara (5-8, 1-2) was led by Harlan Obioha who scored 21 points and had 13 rebounds. Braxton Bayless added 20 points and seven assists for the Purple Eagles.
"We have to clean up things on the defense end. I feel like we're coming. I have been in this spot before many years ago," said
Coach Gallagher. "I think we are getting great shots. Shaquil is playing unbelievable. Jaden is getting better and better. We have to play to our strengths and not our weaknesses."
The Purple Eagles got off to a commanding 21-8 lead with 11:38 remaining in the first half, sinking nine of their first 11 shots. The Jaspers immediately answered, going on a 12-3 run to cut the deficit to 24-20 with 6:07 remaining in the half. Niagara finished the half strong, growing its lead to 34-27 at the half.
The Jaspers kicked off the second half on a 7-2 run, cutting the lead to 36-34. This would be the closest the game would be for the rest of the way, as the Purple Eagles were able to surge control, taking their lead up to 60-49 with 8:18 remaining. The Jaspers would cut the lead back down to six, with 7:56 remaining, but could not make the final push they needed down the stretch. Niagara was able to expand its lead to a 81-67 victory, giving them their first conference victory of the season.
Manhattan shot 44.6% from the field and 30.4% from three-point. They had 30 points in the paint and 11 bench points.
Niagara shot 55.8% from the field and 30% from three-point. They had 44 points in the paint and 33 bench points.
Manhattan will return to action Sunday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. when they travel to Connecticut to take on Quinnipiac.
