Riverdale, NY (January 20, 2004) - In the annual battle of the Bronx with Fordham, the Lady Jaspers lost a close contest, 58-55. Despite out-rebounding the Rams 43-25, Manhattan drops its eighth game of the season, and falls to .500 overall (8-8). Senior Rosalee Mason tallied 24 points and grabbed a season high 18 rebounds in the loss.
Mason and Serra Sangar dropped three straight three-pointers, propelling the Lady Jaspers to an early 12-8 lead. The Lady Jaspers shot 61.5 percent from the three-point line in the first half; freshman Kristen Tracey made 3-4 from long range, recording nine points. Manhattan held the lead until Kiely Donnelly sunk a jumper at the 2:53 mark, giving the Rams the 34-33 edge. After two free throws by Donnette Reed, the Lady Jaspers recaptured the lead at 35-34, but with two Fordham layups, the Rams went into the half with the a 38-35 lead.
The Lady Jaspers jumped out on a 5-0 run, giving them the 42-38 lead at the 16:32 mark. The second half was a back and forth battle, with four lead changes. Kyshawn Ruff and Beth Ann Dickinson dropped four free throws with under two minutes remaining giving the Rams the 58-55 lead. The Lady Jaspers had one last shot but the Rams forced a turnover with six seconds left, and clinched the win.
Sangar joined Mason in double figures, tallying 13 points, including five rebounds.
Fordham had four players in double figures, the Rams were led by Lauren Fleischer, who posted 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Lady Jaspers will host their fourth straight home game on Sunday, January 25 at 2 pm against MAAC rival Rider.