JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The Manhattan women's basketball team suffered a road setback, losing at Saint Peter's 61-55.
Manhattan falls to 15-8 overall and 8-6 in league play, while the Peacocks move to 6-17 and 3-11 in the MAAC.
"Congrats to Saint Peter's on a hard fought win," said Head Coach Heather Vulin. :I appreciate how hard our team competed but we need to continue to improve on our rotations. Looking forward to getting back on the court on Saturday."
The game started off with the teams going back and forth, with no team leading by more then four at any point in the quarter, ultimately resulting in the Jaspers leading 14-13 after one. The Peacocks did not allow a point in the first four minutes of the second quarter, taking a 20-14 lead. The Jasper defense then completely locked in for the rest of the half, only allowing two more points, to go into the break down 22-21.
The Jaspers came out strong in the second half, jumping out to a 37-28 lead, following baskets by all five starters in the first seven minutes of the third. The last three minutes were owned by the Peacocks however, as they would score the final seven points of the quarter, to go into the fourth down 37-35. Saint Peter's continued the momentum into the fourth jumping to a 46-39 lead with 6:16 remaining in the contest.
Three consecutive Manhattan layups would close the gap to 46-45 with 3:45 to play. An and-one from Saint Peter's followed by a Manhattan free throw and an Anne Bair three-pointer, the game was tied 49-49 with 2:21 to play. Saint Peter's would connect on two free throws and a layup before Ines Gimenez Monserrat would make a layup to put the Jaspers down 53-51 with 21 seconds to play. Saint Peter's would finish the game 8/8 from the free throw line, not allowing the Jaspers to storm back for the win.
A thin Jasper team was led by Jade Blagrove who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Petra Juric scored 12 points and pulled down nine rebounds for Manhattan.
Rachel Kuhl took charge for the Peacocks recording a game high 24 points. Jada Leonard had 12 points, six assists and six rebounds for Saint Peter's.
Manhattan returns home to Draddy Gymnasium to take on Quinnipiac, Saturday Feb, 17 at 2:00 p.m.