Riverdale, N.Y. (November 28, 2006)- Manhattan and Fordham will match up in the 99th Battle of the Bronx game on Thursday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. in Fordham's Rose Hill Gym. Manhattan enters the game with a 2-3 record, and are playing in its first game away from Draddy Gym. Fordham enters the game with a 2-2 record.
Today's Matchup: The Jaspers hit the road for the first game of a three-game road trip. Manhattan will play its first road game of the year at local and boro-rival Fordham University on Thursday, November 30. Manhattan leads the all-time series 51-47, as this is the 99th meeting between these two programs in a series that has been played annually since the 1922-23 season (no games played from 1943-45). The Jaspers have won five straight meetings, and 13 of the last 15, including a 81-68 win last season at Draddy Gym.
What's Next?:
Following today's game, the Jaspers continue a stretch of six of seven on the road by traveling to Memphis, Tenn. to take on the nationally ranked University of Memphis Tigers. The game will mark just the third meeting between the two programs, and the first since the 1957-58 season. The all-time series is knotted at 1-1, with Memphis taking a 85-73 decision in the 1957 NIT, and the Jaspers downing the Tigers, 88-69, the next year during the regular season.
All-time record:
Manhattan is in its 101st season of men's basketball. The Jaspers' overall record is 1192-1025 (.538), while the team has posted a 191-193 (.497) record over 25 seasons of MAAC play. The men's basketball program was established in 1904-05 and has taken two seasons off (1943-44 and 1944-45) due to World War II. In 55 of the program's 100 seasons, including the last five seasons, the Jaspers have posted a .500 or better record.
We're Streaking!:
Entering today's game, the Jaspers have hit a three-point shot in 323 consecutive games (a school record). The last time Manhattan did not hit a three-point shot was December 29, 1994 at Draddy Gym vs. Colgate, in a 54-51 win (0-11). The NCAA record is held by UNLV who has hit a three-point basket in 631 consecutive games entering this season. The Runnin' Rebels streak dates back to November 26, 1986.
Familiar Faces, Familiar Places:
Tha coaching staff for the Jaspers should know several of their opponents well, as the current Manhattan staff has worked for the men's basketball programs at three school on the Jaspers' schedule this season. Assistant Coach John Alesi served as a graduate assistant at Hofstra University in the 2003-04 season. Assistant Coach Edgar De La Rosa served as an assistant coach at Fordham University from 1994-99, assistant coach Ron Ganulin served as an assistant coach at Saint Peter's College from 1982-85, and Ganulin and head coach Barry Rohrssen coached at St. Francis-N.Y. College. Ganulin was the head coach for the Terriers from 1991-2005, while Rohrssen served as an assistant coach at St. Francis from 1993-95. Both Rohrssen and De La Rosa graduted from St. Francis in 1983, and both played basketball for the Terriers.
Player-Coach-Broadcaster, An All-Time Jasper:
Brian Mahoney handles the color commentary for the Jaspers' men's and women's basketball teams, but his connection to Manhattan College runs much deeper. Mahoney is a 1971 graduate of Manhattan College and has also served as the head men's basketball coach at his alma mater. Mahoney, who was inducted into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, tallied 1,289 points over his four year playing career as a Jasper (1968-71), and ranks 13th on the all-time scoring list. Following his senior season, in which he averaged 20.6 points per game and earned All-East honors, Mahoney was drafted in the fifth round of the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He coached the Jaspers from 1978-81, posting a 16-62 record. Mahoney also coached at St. John's, and was named Big East Coach of the Year in 1993. Last season, Mahoney was named one of the top 20 Jaspers from the first 100 years, and was recognized as part of a special ceremony at halftime of last season's Long Beach State game.
