Manhattan University Athletics

Riverdale, N.Y. (November 20, 2007)- The men's basketball team will play their home opener on Wednesday, November 21, hosting Eastern Michigan at 7:00 p.m. in Draddy Gym.  All members of CYO teams will be granted free admission.

Today's Matchup: The Jaspers return home to play their 2007-08 home opener on Wednesday, November 21. Eastern Michigan leads the all-time series, 2-1, including a 65-51 win last season in Ypsilanti, Mich. In that game, Devon Austin led all scorers with 16 points, including four three pointers as he played on the same court his older brother Markus score over 1000 points while playing for the Eagles. Prior to the last meeting, the teams played a home and home series over the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons, with each team winning on its home floor. This game is the return game from last season's BracketBuster matchup.

What's Next?: Following today's game, the Jaspers continue a three-game home stand with a game against St. Francis-N.Y. College on Saturday, November 24. The game is the second game of a double header, with the Lady Jaspers hosting Stony Brook at 4:00 p.m. The Jaspers lead the all-time series, 50-18, and has won seven of the last nine meetings. The two NYC school resumed their series in 2005-06 in what was an annual meeting from 1961-1988. Last season, the Terriers posted a 76-73 overtime win in Brooklyn. Darryl Crawford tallied 14 points and five rebounds for Manhattan.

All-time record: Manhattan is in its 102nd season of men's basketball. The Jaspers' overall record is 1205-1040 (.537), while the team has posted a 201-202 (.499) record over 26 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 101-plus seasons, including the four of the last six seasons, the Jaspers have posted a .500 or better record. Manhattan's 200 MAAC wins makes them just the second MAAC team to reach 200 wins in conference, joining Iona College.

For Openers: Manhattan has posted a 27-10 record in home openers since the 1970-71 season, and a 22-7 record in home openers at Draddy Gym (opened in 1978-79). The Jaspers have won seven of their last nine home openers, and 15 of the last 18.

Brotherly Love For The Austins: One interesting side note for the Eastern Michigan game is that Manhattan junior Devon Austin's older brother, Markus, starred for the Eagles from 2001-05, and currently ranks 12th on their all-time scoring list, as he tallied 1,425 points over the course of his career.

Jaspers Live on the Internet: For the 10th 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.