Riverdale, N.Y. (February 26, 2006)- Nothing has come easy this season for Manhattan, with the loss of players due to academics and injury, but it all came together for the Jaspers on Senior Night, defeating rival Iona, 78-74, to clinch the MAAC Regular Season Title, the #1 Seed in the upcoming MAAC Tournament, and a guaranteed postseason berth.
The two teams played an emotional first few minutes, but both teams regained their poise, with the Gaels holding the lead for almost the entire first half, leading by as many as 11, 41-30, following a Kenny Jackson three pointer with 1:19 left in the first half. The Jaspers scored the final four points of the half, but trailed, 41-34, going into the break.
Iona maintained the lead for the first part of the second half, keeping the Jaspers at bay until, with Iona holding a six point, 51-45, lead, with 14:20 remaining, Manhattan embarked on a 7-0 run to take a one point lead, 52-51, following two
Jason Wingate free throws. The teams traded baskets over the next few minutes, before, with the Gaels holding a two point lead, Iona scored the next six points to open up an eight point lead, 68-60, with 5:40 left in the game.
Things looked bleak for Manhattan at that point, but this scrappy group of Jaspers would not let the game get away from them, going on a 14-2 run to take a four point lead, 74-70, with 1:27 left in the game. The Jaspers would not allow the Gaels to score the equalizer, and Wingate went four-for-four from the line over the final 18 seconds to secure the win and the championship.
Jeff Xavier paced the Jaspers with 23 points. Joining him in double-figures were Wingate (16 points),
Devon Austin (12 points) and
Arturo Dubois (11 points, game-high 14 rebounds).
Steve Burtt led all scorers with a game-high 24 points for Iona.
Manhattan now heads up to Albany, N.Y. for the MAAC Tournament, and will play its semifinal game at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.
