JERSEY CITY, N.J. ? Four Peacocks scored in double-figures helping Saint Peter's to a 78-68 victory over Manhattan this afternoon in Jersey City. Saint Peter's (5-17, 2-10) freshman guard Nick Leon posted 14 of his game-high 20 points in the second half. Jaspers guard Antoine Pearson, finished with 19 points in Manhattan's (8-14, 2-10) seventh straight loss. With the win, the Peacocks snap an eight game losing streak.
Manhattan led 24-17 with 6:48 remaining in the first half marking its largest advantage of the contest. Darryl Crawford, a sophomore guard, helped the Jaspers build this cushion by scoring nine consecutive points over a three and a half minute span. Crawford finished with 15 points and three steals over 26 minutes of action off the bench.
With 1:07 remaining in the half, freshman guard Darrell Lampley connected on a 3-pointer to put Saint Peter's ahead 31-30. The Peacocks finished the first stanza with a 16-8 run taking a 33-32 edge into intermission.
The Jaspers entered the second half energized. At the 17:05 mark, freshman guard Chris Smith threw down a rim rocking dunk to regain a single point advantage for Manhattan.
Saint Peter's quickly answered back with a 12-4 run to take the lead for good. The Peacocks held on thanks to solid shooting down the stretch to earn its second league victory.
Senior forward Todd Sowell was efficient in the post for Saint Peter's finishing with 19 points on 7-9 shooting. Sowell also collected 13 boards to secure his 11th double-double of the season.
Pearson scored 17 of his team-high 19 points in the second half. It was the ninth time this season he led the Jaspers in scoring.
The Peacocks outrebounded Manhattan 41-32 and shot 52.1% (25-48) from the field. The Jaspers were 40.0% (24-60) from the floor.
Manhattan tallied 14 steals and caused 22 turnovers which resulted in 26 points. Its bench outscored Saint Peter's 33-19.
The Jaspers return to action on Friday evening when they square off with Fairfield in Riverdale. It marks the first of a five game home series. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m.
