Buffalo, N.Y. (February 11, 2006)- Jeff Xavier matched his career-high with 25 points, including 21 in the first half, while adding a career-high 13 rebounds, but Manhattan fell at Canisius, 86-75, this afternoon at the Koessler Athletic Center on the Canisius campus. The Jaspers fall to 15-8, 11-4 in MAAC play, while the Griffs raise their record to 6-17, 5-10 in MAAC play.
The opening stanza was a nip and tuck affair, as the two teams traded the lead seven times, with six ties. Manhattan was able to lead by as many as six, 20-14, with 11:16 remaining, while Canisius also built a six point lead, 39-33, with 2:37 left before the break before the Jaspers closed out the half with an 8-1 run to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.
Canisius used an 18-6 run to open the second half, taking an 11 point lead, 58-47, with 13:57 left in the game. Manhattan was able to whittle the lead down to three on two occasions, but could not catch the Griffs.
Joining Xavier in double figures were Devon Austin (19 points, five boards, four steals), Mike Konovelchick (12 points) and Jason Wingate (11 points and a career-high seven assists).
Kevin Downey led all scorers with 27 points.
Manhattan plays its final regular season road game on Monday, February 13, taking on Niagara at 7:00 in Niagara University, N.Y.