Memphis, Tenn. (December 2, 2006)- Manhattan played #14/17 University of Memphis even in the second half, but could not overcome a halftime deficit, as the Tigers downed the Jaspers, 77-59, this afternoon at the FedEx Forum. Devon Austin tallied his first collegiate double-double with a team-high 18 points and a team and career-high 11 rebounds to pace the Manhattan offense.
Memphis scored the first eight points of the game, and led, 14-4, with 15:14 remaining in the first half before Manhattan used a 14-3 run to pull even at 17-17, following a three-pointer from Jamel Ferguson 11:17 before the break. Jeremy Hunt put the Tigers back on top with a three pointer of his own on the next possession, and scored in the final nine points of the half to take a 43-26 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, Memphis extended the run to 21-0 to open up its largest lead of the game, 55-26, with 16:38 left in the game. At that point Manhattan began to whittle away at the lead, and ended the game with a 12-2 run to provide the final margin.
Darryl Crawford joined Austin in double figures with 10 points.
Robert Dozier led all scorers with a game-high 19 points, while Joey Dorsey chipped in with 10 points and a game-high 12 caroms.
Manhattan gets back in action and opens up MAAC play on Friday, December 8, traveling to Bridgeport, Conn. to take on the Fairfield University Stags. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.
