Manhattan University Athletics

Riverdale, N.Y. (January 17, 2007)- After completing a stretch that saw the Jaspers play nine of 11 games on the road, Manhattan returns to the friendly confines of Draddy Gymnasium to take on the Rider University Broncs on Thursday, January 18.  The MAAC game is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m.

Today's Matchup: The Jaspers return to the friendly confines of Draddy Gym after playing nine of 11 on the road to take on MAAC foe Rider University on Thursday, January 18, with tip-off slated for 7:00 p.m. Manhattan leads the all-time series, 15-12, and has taken two of the last three meetings. In each of the last three seasons, the home team has won all six meetings. In 2005-06, the Jaspers posted an 87-81 win in Riverdale, but dropped a 75-56 decision in Lawrenceville. This is the first meeting between Barry Rohrssen and Rider head coach Tommy Dempsey.

What's Next?: Following today's game, the Jaspers continue a stretch that sees the team play four of five at home, welcoming Siena College to Draddy Gym on Sunday, January 21, with tipoff slated for 2:00 p.m. in a game that will televised on RNN. Manhattan leads the all-time series, 44-24, including 10 of the last 13. The Jaspers swept the season series last year, taking a 77-74 decision at Draddy Gym, and a 63-58 win in Albany. This is the first meeting against the Saints for Coach Rohrssen, while Fran McCaffery is 0-2 vs. Manhattan. The Jaspers have defeated the Saints in the last six games played at Draddy Gym.

All-time record: Manhattan is in its 101st season of men's basketball. The Jaspers' overall record is 1198-1030 (.538), while the team has posted a 196-194 (.503) 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.

Manhattan College Basketball Weekly: Beginning Friday, January 12, Manhattan College Basketball Weekly will air the first of nine episodes, stretching over the 2006-07 men's basketball season. Hosted by Ed Cohen, the show will take an in-depth look at the past and present of Manhattan basketball, and will also highlight other great moments in Jasper athletic history. The show will air every Friday at 4:00 p.m. and will replay at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays on SportNet New York.

Inside The Numbers For The Win Streak: Several key stats jump off the page when looking at the five game win streak Manhattan is currently riding. In each of the five wins, the Jaspers have handed out 10 or more assists, including a season-high of 15 at Pepperdine. In the last three games, Manhattan has tallied 10 or more steals, paced by a season-high 16 steal effort at Saint Peter's. Four of the five games make up the four lowest turnover totals for the Jaspers, including a season-low 10 against Fairfield. In two of the last three games, Manhattan has forced 20 or more turnovers.

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.

Even Steven In MAAC Play, And Then Some: Following the Jaspers' MAAC win at Canisius on January 8, Manhattan evened its all-time record in MAAC games at 194-194, marking the first time since the fourth MAAC game of the first MAAC season, 1981-82, that the Jaspers have reached the break even mark in conference play. After the Jaspers downed Iona on January 12, they went above .500 in conference play for the first time in program history.

Jolicouer Out For Season: Freshman forward Laurence Jolicouer underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery on December 20, and will seek a medical hardship waiver to retain all of his athletic eligibility. He will sit out the remainder of the 2006-07 season. The freshman did not appear in a regular season game.