Riverdale, N.Y. (February 18, 2006)- Despite a game- and career-high 27 points from Arturo Dubois, Manhattan could not overcome Long Beach State's hot shooting, dropping a 108-94 decision this afternoon at Draddy Gym. Manhattan honored its top players from the first 100 seasons of Jasper basketball in a special halftime ceremony.
The 49ers scored the first four points of the game, and held a 16-9 lead before Manhattan embarked on a 13-2 run to take a four point lead, 22-18, with 11:44 left in the opening stanza. The two sides traded baskets for much of the rest of the half, before, with the score tied at 41 with 2:47 left before the break, Long Beach scored nine of the final 11 points of the half to take a 50-43 lead into the break.
The Jaspers pulled within two 1:24 into the second half, but could never quite solve the 49ers, pulling within two again, 81-79, with 6:47 left in the game, but never scoring the equalizer as Long Beach pulled away down the stretch for the win.
Dubois added nine boards, three steals, two blocks, and two assists. Joining him in double-figures were Jeff Xavier (21 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals), Devon Austin (20 points, eight boards, three steals), and Jason Wingate (11 points).
Shawn Hawkins paced seven 49ers in double figures with 25 points.
At the half, Manhattan named its top 20 players from the first 100 seasons, honoring Ignatious Volpe '38, Bob Kelly '49, Andy McGowan '53, Ed O'Connor '55, Gerry Paulson '57, Jack Powers '58, Bob Mealy '60, Larry Lembo '65, Jack Marren '70, Brian Mahoney '71, Richie Garner '72, George Bucci '75, Bill Campion '75, Steve Grant '78, Tim Cain '85, Peter Runge '90, Keith Bullock '93, Jamal Marshall '95, Jason Hoover '97, and Luis Flores '04.
Manhattan returns to action on Thursday, February 23, hosting Fairfield at 7:00 p.m. at Draddy Gym.