Riverdale, N.Y. (February 4, 2007)?Fresh off an impressive offensive performance against Fairfield, the Lady Jaspers will kick-off a three game home stand this afternoon against first place Marist. The Red Foxes are undefeated in the MAAC at 11-0 and have won nine games in a row. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from Draddy Gymnasium.
Today's Game: The Lady Jaspers and first place Marist meet this Super Bowl Sunday for the second time this season as Manhattan will be looking to break a seven game losing streak against the Red Foxes. Manhattan is coming off an impressive 74-61 win at Fairfield where the Lady Jaspers shot 56.6 percent from the field and had their second highest offensive output of the season. The win was Manhattan's third in its last five games. Marist is undefeated in conference play and has won nine games in a row.
Last Time Out: Manhattan continued its recent strong play with a 74-61 win over Fairfield at Alumni Hall on Friday evening. Manhattan shot 56.6 percent from the field, 60.9 percent in the second half on its way to victory. Five players, led by Gabrielle Cottrell's 16 points, scored in double figures. Manhattan only led 35-34 at halftime, but used a 17-7 run after the break to lead 54-41. The Stags though, got back into the game, and cut Manhattan's lead to 56-53 after a Baendu Lowenthal field goal. The Lady Jaspers however, responded immediately, and scored on their next five possessions as part of a 10-0 to push the lead back to 13 points at 66-53 with just under five minutes to play. Fairfield would not threaten the rest of the way.
On the Horizon: Following this afternoon's game, Manhattan continues its three game home stand next Friday against Fairfield. The following Sunday, Manhattan will look to avenge an earlier season loss to St. Peter's.
Nwafili Out For The Year: The Lady Jaspers suffered a tough blow on December 13th when the team learned that guard Joann Nwafili would be lost for the year with a torn ACL. The junior suffered the injury in the second half of Manhattan's 52-42 victory at Siena. Up to this point in the season, Nwafili was averaging 6.8 points per game and was second on team in rebounds per game with 4.8, while starting every game for the Green & White. The injury caused Nwafili to miss a game for the first time since her freshmen year.
Hurting Lady Jaspers: To compound Nwafili's injury, the Lady Jaspers have been bitten by the injury bug this season. Including her injury, which has forced her to miss 14 games so far, six other players have combined to miss 26 games due to a variety of aliments, bringing the total to 40 games with Nwafili's injury. Only four players have suited up for every game, Caitlin Flood, Kelly Regan, Gabrielle Cottrell, and Jenna Franciosa.
Shooters: Manhattan shot a season high 56.6 percent from the field against Fairfield (2/2), their best shooting percentage in a game since shooting 55.3 percent against Iona on 12/2/04. The Lady Jaspers have now shot better than 45 percent in five of their last eight games.
They've Got Five On It: Five Lady Jaspers, Amanda LoCascio, Caitlin Flood, Gabrielle Cottrell, Aubrie Dellinger, and Jenna Franciosa scored in double figures in the win over Fairfield (2/2). Manhattan is 4-1 on the season when three or more players score in double figures. The other three wins came over Fairleigh Dickinson, Hartford, and Columbia.
Follow The Game: Fans who cannot attend the game can follow the proceedings live via internet radio with Ed Cohen and Brian Mahoney on commentary. Simply click on the icon in the schedule section on the main page of gojaspers.com
