Riverdale, N.Y. (December 9, 2006)- Fresh off a MAAC opening win at Fairfield University of Friday night, Manhattan will host Loyola College in its MAAC home opener on Sunday, December 10. The game is slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.
Today's Matchup:
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.
What's Next?:
Following today's game, the Jaspers will break for exams, then return to the road for a three game road trip, beginning December 21 in Brooklyn, N.Y., taking on St. Francis-N.Y. at 7:00 p.m. Manhattan leads the all-time series, 50-17, and have won the last three meetings, and seven of the last eight, in a series that dates back to the 1904-05 seaon, the first season for Manhattan College Basketball. The series resumed last season after an 18-year hiatus, with the Jaspers taking an 89-78 victory at Draddy Gym. Head Coach Barry Rohrssen played and coached at St. Francis, assistant coach Ron Ganulin served as the Terrier's head coach from 1991-2005, and assistant coach Edgar De La Rosa played his collegiate basketball for St. Francis.
All-time record:
Manhattan is in its 101st season of men's basketball. The Jaspers' overall record is 1193-1027 (.537), while the team has posted a 192-193 (.499) 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 326 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.
Playing It Close:
Manhattan has been in a position to win almost every game its had played this season, as five of the Jaspers' eight games have been decided by four points or less. The three Manhattan wins have been by a combined eight points, while two of the teams' five losses have been by a combined five points (NJIT and Fordham).
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.
