Bronx Insider: Sports Desk: Manhattan Topped by Niagara Tuesday.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Manhattan Topped by Niagara Tuesday.

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan led by nine at the half, Niagara then scored 48 in the second half to earn a 72-63 win on Tuesday evening.

Niagara (8-8, 3-4 MAAC) shot 53-percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes and held Manhattan (9-5, 2-3) to 38-percent.

Noah Thomasson had a game-high 20 points to lead the Purple Eagles. Marcus Hammond added 19 and two more Purple Eagles were in double figures. The duo combined for 28 points in the second half.

Niagara took its first lead, 41-40, with 12:28 to play on a 3-pointer from Justin Roberts. Then a 6-0 spurt gave the Purple Eagles the lead for good with 8:56 to play. Greg Kuakumensah capped the stretch with a dunk.

After a pair of Elijah Buchanan free throws, the Purple Eagles went on a 15-3 run over 3:50 to take a 66-53 lead with 3:58 to play. Niagara went 5-6 from the floor and forced four Manhattan turnovers during the stretch.

The Jaspers would get as close as five, 68-63, with 57 seconds to play on a Buchanan 3-pointer.

Warren Williams and Jose Perez had 16 points to lead the Jaspers. Williams made all eight of his field-goal attempts. Buchanan finished with 12 points. Samba Diallo grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds. Perez added seven rebounds and three assists.

Manhattan returns to action on Friday at home against Siena. The Jaspers and Saints tip at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.