Manhattan Edged by Niagara on the Road

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Manhattan started its weekend in Western New York with a 68-62 loss at Niagara on Friday night. The Jaspers had a chance to tie the game inside the final minute.
 
The Jaspers used a 7-0 spurt over 2:25 to get within one, 63-62, with 47 seconds left. At the end of the run, Nick Brennen went to the free throw line with a chance to tie the game but hit 1-of-2 free throws. Josh Roberts started the run with a layup with 2:56 remaining.
 
After a Purple Eagle timeout, Lance Erving gave the home side a four-point lead after connecting on a 3-pointer with 18 seconds to play. Erving's triple was the only field goal hit by the Purple Eagles over the final three minutes.
 
Manhattan (6-13, 4-6 MAAC) chipped away at a 12-point halftime deficit. The Jaspers started the second half 7-11 from the field and tied the game with 8:49 to play after an Ant Nelson layup. Roberts then got the Jaspers within one, 41-40. After four straight Niagara (11-9, 5-5) points, Raziel Hayun brought the Jaspers back to within two after hitting a 3-pointer.
 
After Roberts tied the score at 47, the Purple Eagles scored 13 of the next 18 points to build a 60-52 lead with 4:44 left.
 
Nelson finished with 16 points to lead the Jaspers. The guard added seven assists. Roberts had 14 on 7-12 shooting for Manhattan.
 
Noah Thomasson, the leading scorer in the MAAC, finished with a game-high 19 points. Joe Kasperzyk added 10 points.
 
Manhattan returns to court on Sunday at Canisius. The tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN3 between the Golden Griffins and Jaspers.
 
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