Buffalo, NY - Sophomore Warren Williams (Kingston, Jamaica / St. Benedict's Prep (NJ)) paced four double-figure scorers with 16 points as Manhattan defeated Canisius 71-67 in MAAC play at the Koessler Athletic Center.
The Jaspers converted on a season-best 55.3 percent (26-of-47) from the floor, including a blistering 64.3 percent (9-of-14) after halftime, to improve to 5-5 and 1-0 in the MAAC, while the Golden Griffins fall to 5-8 and 0-2 in the league.
Canisius led just three times on the day, only to see Manhattan immediately answer with the next basket of the game, the last of which came on a Williams seal down low to reclaim the lead for the Jaspers at 58-57 with just under eight minutes remaining.
The Golden Griffins had an opportunity to tie the game up with 42 seconds left, but shot an airball on the possession and the Green & White made good on three-of-four from the line down the stretch.
Over its last two games at the Koessler Athletic Center, Manhattan is shooting a scalding 60.0 percent (54-of-90) from the field, including 67.6 percent (23-of-34) after halftime.
Sophomore Tykei Greene (Queens, NY / Long Island Lutheran) and senior Pauly Paulicap (Elmont, NY / Harcum College) each added 13 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Samir Stewart (Fort Lauderdale, FL / American Heritage) contributed 12 points to round out the double-figure scorers for the visitors.
Majesty Brandon scored 15 points with 10 rebounds, while Malik Johnson added six points, five rebounds, eight assists and five steals to lead the way for Canisius.
The Golden Griffins made good a solid 40.0 percent (26-of-65) from the field, but connected on just 20.8 percent (5-of-24) from deep.
Notes
* Manhattan leads the all-time series by a 56-38 count, including 10-6 under head coach Steve Masiello.
* Masiello is also 6-2 against Canisius when playing in Buffalo.
* Over the final 15:49 of the game, the Jaspers scored on 14 of their final 16 possessions that didn't end in a turnover.
* Manhattan was able to put the game on ice by making good on 8-of-11 over the final five minutes, including 7-of-8 in the last 3:12.
* The sophomore class scored 58 points, on 64.5 percent (20-of-31) shooting.
* The Jaspers drew a season-high six offensive fouls, including three by Williams.
* Manhattan, which entered the game with just seven dunks, registered six slams on the evening with a team-high three coming from Williams.
* Williams is now averaging 18.3 ppg over three games against Canisius while shooting 79.3 percent (23-of-29) during that time.
Up Next
* The Jaspers will look to make it two in a row when they play at Niagara on Sunday, January 5 at 1:00 pm.