Riverdale, N.Y. (January 5, 2007)?Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Draddy Gymnasium, Manhattan and Iona renew their local rivalry as MAAC play kicks into high gear for the remainder of the season. After a 1-1 start in the MAAC, the Lady Jaspers prepare for the most important part of their schedule after a challenging non-conference slate of games.
Today's Game: Local rivals Manhattan and Iona meet this afternoon at Draddy Gymnasium as both teams return to MAAC play after lengthy forays into non-conference play. The Lady Jaspers play at home for the first time in over a month after finishing a five game road swing that featured games against three non-conference teams. Manhattan finished 1-4 overall on the trip, but 1-1 against MAAC teams Siena and Marist. The Lady Jaspers have lost four games in a row while Iona comes in having won four of five, including a 45-44 road win over Bucknell on Wednesday night.
Last Time Out: The Lady Jaspers played a Big East team for the second consecutive game, and dropped a 62-46 decision to Villanova at the Pavilion in Philadelphia, Pa. The Wildcats began the game by knocking down four straight three-pointers, and held off Manhattan the rest of the way for the win. Freshman point guard Michelle Pacheco continued her string of impressive play, setting a new season high in points with 11 points on four of seven shooting. Gabrielle Cottrell scored in double figures for the second game in a row with 11 points as well. Caitlin Flood and Cottrell each led the team with five rebounds a piece.
On The Horizon: Following this afternoon's contest, Manhattan continues its three game home stand against conference foes Niagara and Loyola before Iona and Manhattan meet again in New Rochelle next Sunday.
Last Year's Series: Iona swept the season series from Manhattan last year, edging the Lady Jaspers 71-68 in New Rochelle in the first meeting. In that contest, Martina Weber and Tiara Headen led the way for the Gaels with 26 and 21 points respectively, while Lupe Godinez paced Manhattan with 16 points. In the rematch, Iona emerged victorious 74-64 behind 56 percent shooting and 19 points from Weber. Joann Nwafili was Manhattan's leading scorer with 16 points.
Series History: Manhattan leads the all-time series 37-16 dating back to the 1979-80 season. Iona has won three games in a row, but the Lady Jaspers own seven wins in the past ten games going back to 2001-02 season.
Breaking Out: Freshman point guard and Bronx native Michelle Pacheco has seen her minutes increase in recent games, and her production has increased as well. The diminutive guard has set a season high for points in Manhattan's last two games, scoring nine points at Marquette and 11 at Villanova.
Follow The Game: Fans who cannot make it to the game on Saturday can follow the action live via the internet. A link to the broadcast will be available in the schedule section of the women's basketball page. Ed Cohen and Brian Mahoney will serve as the voice of Lady Jasper basketball.
