RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan women's basketball team (15-5, 8-3 MAAC) will host Niagara University this Thursday at Draddy Gymnasium. Manhattan will travel to New Jersey on Saturday to play Rider University for a tip-off at Alumni Gymnasium.
The Preview: The all-time series between Manhattan and Niagara has the Purple Eagles leading 20-18. The Jaspers are 7-9 versus the highly talented Niagara squad at home. In their last two meetings, Manhattan is 2-0 against Niagara. Niagara was picked first in the preseason with two preseason first-team players on their team. Last time out, Manhattan faced Niagara on Jan 18, 2024, with the Jaspers winning 64-53, backed by a 20-point outing by Leyla Ozturk that included six rebounds and five blocked shots.
The all-time series between Manhattan and Rider has the Jaspers leading 24-14. Manhattan is on a seven-game win streak over the Broncs. The Jaspers are 14-6 against Rider on the road. Last time out, Manhattan played Rider on Dec. 16, 2023, with a 73-39 victory. Petra Juric's double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds led the way for Manhattan.
The Opponent: Niagara (11-11, 8-4 MAAC) won its last game against Saint Peter's, 85-51. The Purple Eagles were led in scoring by Amelia Strong, who had 17 points and nine rebounds. Aaliyah Parker leads the way for the Purple Eagles with 11.4 points per game.
Rider (5-15, 2-9 MAAC) lost its last game against Quinnipiac, 65-54. Taylor Langan finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. Taylor Langan leads Rider with 14.9 points per game.
Leading the Way: Guiding the Jaspers in their last outing was Petra Juric, who tallied 16 points and nine rebounds for Manhattan. Jade Blagrove added 14 points while Inez Gimenez Monserrat finished with 13 points for the Jaspers. Juric leads the overall scoring effort for Manhattan at 10.4 points per game.
By the Numbers: Manhattan enters the week ranked second in the MAAC. Statistically, the Jaspers are 9th in the NCAA and second in the MAAC in scoring defense at 54.0 points per game and first in free throw percentage (77.0). The Jaspers also rank first in the MAAC in blocked shots per game at 3.7.
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What's Ahead: Manhattan will travel to New Jersey and play Saint Peter's University on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Recreational Life Center.
Tickets: To purchase season or individual tickets, visit gojaspers.universitytickets.com. For any questions, call 718-862-7297 or email tickets@manhattan.edu.
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