Riverdale, N.Y. (February 5, 2006)- Manhattan has played a game on Super Bowl Sunday the last three years, and this time the Jaspers blitzed Loyola, scoring the first 18 points of the game on the way to an 86-68 win this afternoon at Draddy Gym. The win gives Manhattan a 14-7 record, 10-3 in MAAC play, while the Greyhounds fall to 11-10, 5-8 in MAAC play.
The Jaspers opened the game with two touchdowns and a little more of scoring, converting their first seven shots, as each of the five starters recorded at least one field goal.
Mike Konovelchick made two three pointers during the run to give him 136 for his career, moving him into a tie with Charles Dubra (1988-92) for third place on the all-time Jasper list. His five attempts for the game moved him past Luis Flores (2001-04) for the all-time lead in three point attempts. Shane James broke the drought for Loyola with a three pointer at the 16:17 mark.
The Greyhounds were able to cut the lead to eight on two occasions in the first half, but quickly pushed the lead back to double-digits, and went into the break with a 20 point, 49-29, lead following a 54-footer from Wingate at the halftime buzzer that video replay confirmed as good.
In the second half, Loyola was never able to cut the lead to less than 12 points.
The Jaspers connected on a season-high 13 three-pointers, shooting 59.1% (13-22) from beyond the arc a game after shooting a season low 13.0% (3-23) against Niagara.
Devon Austin and
Jeff Xavier each scored 19 points to pace the Jaspers, with Austin adding six rebounds and three steals, and Xavier adding seven rebounds and three steals.
Arturo Dubois chipped in with 18 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, three steals, and two assists, while Wingate poured in 15 while handing out a game-high five helpers. Konovelchick ended the game with eight points, while
Darren Johnson contributed a career-high seven points and six rebounds off the bench.
Andre Collins led all scorers with 20 points, but was held to seven points below his season average.
The Jaspers being their final road trip of the regular season on Wednesday, February 8, traveling to Jersey City, N.J. to battle Saint Peter's. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
