Riverdale, N.Y. - On opening night at Draddy Gym, the Lady Jaspers' second half comeback fell short against Big East opponent Providence College, 52-46. The Friars' Chelsea Marandola led all scorers with 16 points, while Joann Nwafili paced Manhattan with 14.
Trailing 45-39 with 3:34 left in the second half, Amanda LoCascio, playing in her first game for the Green and White, knocked down a three-pointer to cut Providence's lead to three. After both teams traded baskets, Nwafili knocked down two foul shots to make it 49-46 with 1:50 left. After a free throw by Providence's Kendria Holmes gave the Friars a 50-46 lead, Aubrie Dellinger missed a three. Two ensuing foul shots by Marandola sealed the win for Providence.
Both teams struggled out of the gate with their shooting in the first half. The Lady J's shot just 23 percent in the opening half, while Providence wasn't much better at 36 percent.
Trailing 27-18 early in the second half, Manhattan went on a 16-6 run to take a one point lead. Nwafili scored on two consecutive lay-ups to cut the lead to five. Down 33-32, a lay-up by freshman Jenna Franciosa and a foul shot by Kelly Regan gave Manhattan a two point lead. Providence however went on a 12-4 run to get the score to 45-39.
Regan just missed out on a double-double, scoring nine points and grabbing nine rebounds in 34 minutes, while Caitlin Flood and LoCascio each chipped in with eight points.
Manhattan returns to action on Monday, when they take on Fairleigh Dickinson at Draddy Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
