Charleston, SC- The Jaspers opened the Cobb Dill & Hamlet Classic with an impressive double-digit win over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. With a solid performance throughout the entire game, Manhattan outpaced the Buccaneers, 99-75, in the first-ever matchup between the schools. This puts the Japers with an overall record of 7-3.
The Green and White answered an early three by the Buccaneers in a big way, going on a 17-0 run in the first six minutes to take the lead 17-3. The Jaspers were able to build to the largest lead of twenty-seven by shooting 53.3-percent in the first half. Taking advantage of their height, the Jaspers outscored the Buccaneers 24-14 in the paint. The tough Jasper defense in the first half proved to be difficult, forcing nine turnovers. Manhattan converted those into fifteen points. The Jaspers hit the boards hard with twenty-three rebounds in the first half alone. Manhattan ended the first half leading 52-27.
In the second half, the Jaspers proved to be just as dominant. Maintaining their lead for the entirety of the second half. Manhattan's defense continued to pressure the Buccaneers and finished the game with eight steals and 26 total points off turnovers. The Jaspers outrebounded the Buccaneers 41-32, 34 of those rebounds coming on the defensive end. On the other side of the court, the Jaspers proved why they are a major offensive threat shooting 50.9% on the day, going 8-21 from the three. The Jaspers went to the free-throw line 41 times, making 35 of them and going 85.4-percent for the day. Ten different players, three in double-digit points scored on the night.
The Jaspers were led by senior Jose Perez (Bronx, NY) who proved to be a key play maker throughout the contest, finishing with a game-high 24 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Senior forward Josh Roberts (Troy, AL) registered a double-double on the day, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds--both season-highs. Samba Diallo (Rufisque, Senegal) recorded a season-high 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Green and White. Ant Nelson (New York, NY) added nine points, three rebounds, and three steals.
The Buccaneers were led by freshman guard Claudell Harris Jr., who finished with 13 points and three assists. Redshirt senior Sean Price tabbed 12 points and three rebounds for Charleston Southern. With the loss, the Buccaneers fall to 3-8.
The Jaspers will return to play in the second game of the Cobb Dill & Hamett Classic tomorrow against The Citadel at 7 P.M. with coverage on ESPN+.