Riverdale, N.Y. (December 7, 2006)- The Manhattan College men's basketball team will return to the hardwood to open up MAAC play on Friday, December 8, traveling to Bridgeport, Conn. to take on the Fairfield University Stags. The game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the same arena, the Arena at Harbor Yard, that will host the MAAC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships in March.
Today's Matchup:
The Jaspers continue a stretch of six of seven on the road, and begin MAAC play, by traveling to Bridgeport, Conn. to take on Fairfield University on Friday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Manhattan leads the all-time series, 41-33, including a season sweep last season, taking a 74-69 decision on the road, and edging the Stags, 78-77, at home, thanks to a Devon Austin block at the buzzer. Both programs have first year head coaches. This game marks the 75th meeting between these two programs.
What's Next?:
Following today's game, the Jaspers return to the friendly confines of Draddy Gym to take on MAAC foe Loyola College at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 10. Manhattan leads the all-time series, 28-12, and has won 14 of the last 15 meeting, including the last four straight, in a series that dates back to the 1913-14 season. The game will also be the MAAC home opener for Manhattan.
MAAC Openers:
Manhattan has posted 12-13 all-time record in MAAC openers, but have won four of its last five MAAC openers, and four of its last five MAAC road openers. Overall, the Jaspers are 5-7 in road MAAC openers.
All-time record:
Manhattan is in its 101st season of men's basketball. The Jaspers' overall record is 1192-1027 (.537), 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.
Jaspers Live on the Internet:
For the ninth consecutive year, Manhattan College's men's basketball games will be broadcast live via the Internet. In partnership with Stretch Internet, followers of Manhattan basketball can now access the live play-by-play of all Jasper games. A link to the broadcast is available on Manhattan College's website (GoJaspers.com). Ed Cohen and Brian Mahoney will serve as the voices of Jasper basketball. Each broadcast will begin with the "Coach's Pre-Game Report" 15 minutes prior to tip-off.
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.
