Manhattan University Athletics

Riverdale, N.Y. (February 1, 2007)- Manhattan College will take on Niagara University on Friday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Gallagher Center on the Purple Eagles' campus, as the Jaspers look to solidify their place near the top of the MAAC standings.  The Groundhog Day game will be televised on ESPNU.

Today's Matchup: The Jaspers go back on the road, traveling back to Western New York to take on Niagara University at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, in a game that will be televised on ESPNU. The Purple Eagles are the only MAAC team the Jaspers have not yet faced. Manhattan leads the all-time series, 42-19, including eight of the last 10 meetings. The Jaspers and Niagara split the season series last year, with each team winning on the road. The Purple Eagles posted a 67-51 win in Draddy Gym, while Manhattan overcame a seven point overtime deficit on the way to an 82-81 win at the Gallagher Center. In the last four meetings at Niagara, Manhattan has won three, though the four games were decided by a total of 14 points, with the last two games being decided in overtime, with each team winning one.

What's Next?: Following today's game, the Jaspers return to Draddy Gym to complete the season series with the Saint Peter's College Peacocks on Tuesday, February 6, with tipoff slated for 7:00 p.m. On January 15, the Jaspers defeated the Peacocks, 71-66, behind a 27-point, 14-rebound performance from Arturo Dubois. The win, Manhattan's 14th in the last 17 meetings, extends the Jaspers' lead in the all-time series to 61-43, as the Peacocks are the team Manhattan had played more than any other opponent. Manhattan has won six of the last seven meetings at Draddy Gym.

All-time record: Manhattan is in its 101st season of men's basketball. The Jaspers' overall record is 1201-1032 (.538), while the team has posted a 199-196 (.504) 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.

Playing It Close: Manhattan has been in a position to win almost every game its had played this season, as 12 of the Jaspers' 21 games have been decided by five points or less. Eight of Manhattan's 11 wins have been by a combined 22 points, while four of the teams' 10 losses (NJIT, Fordham, and St. Francis, Canisius) have been by a combined 11 points.

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.

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.

Christian Jackson Leaves Team: Redshirt freshman Christian Jackson left the men's basketball team prior to the January 15 game at Saint Peter's and will seek a transfer. The Suitland, Md. native appeared in 11 games, making five starts, and averaged 17.5 minutes, 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game for the Jaspers.

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.