Riverdale, N.Y. (November 24, 2006)?Juniors
Caitlin Flood and
Joann Nwafili hit key foul shots in the waning moments to help Manhattan to an impressive 61-57 win over the University of Hartford. Sophomore
Kelly Regan led all scorers with 18 points as the Lady Jaspers have won two in a row and improve to 3-2 on the season. Hartford, the two-time defending America East champions, and NCAA Tournament participant last season, fall to 3-2.
With the score tied at 53 with 2:28 left to go, Amanda LoCascio hit a lay-up and Regan knocked down a jumper to give the Lady J's a 57-53 lead with 1:05 to play. After a turnover by the Hawks' Lisa Etienne, Nwafili missed a shot that would have put Manhattan up six. Hartford's Ikea Witt converted a lay-up to cut Manhattan's lead to two, but clutch foul shooting by Flood and Nwafili preserved the win for Manhattan.
The Lady Jaspers trailed 27-25 at halftime, but surged in front by shooting 48 percent in the second half. Manhattan went on a 21-12 run over the first nine minutes of the half to take a 46-39 lead, their biggest of the game. Gabrielle Cottrell knocked down two consecutive three pointers to kick-start the run.
Hartford, who defeated Temple University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season, refused to go quietly, going off on a 8-2 to take a 49-48 lead on a Etienne lay-up with just over five minutes to play. Down 51-48, LoCascio hit a jump shot, and Flood made a foul shot to tie the score. After Regan put the Lady J's up 53-51 with a jump shot, Danielle Hood tied the game at 53-53 with a lay-up. LoCascio's field goal then put Manhattan in front for good.
Early on, Hartford looked like they might run away with this game, jumping out to a 13-4 lead in the first half. Manhattan though fought back with a 15-4 run to get back in the game.
Flood, with 15 points, and LoCascio with 11, joined Regan in double figures. While Hartford out-shot and out-rebounded the Lady Jaspers, Manhattan went four for 11 from three and converted important foul shots.
Manhattan will look to keep their momentum going after a big win when they take on cross-town rivals Fordham at Rose Hill Gymnasium next Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
