Riverdale, N.Y. (February 11, 2007)?The Lady Jaspers avenged an earlier season loss to Saint Peter's in convincing fashion this afternoon, defeating the visiting Peahens 72-50. Caitlin Flood led all scorers with 22 points, tying her career high, and Gabrielle Cottrell bested her career high with a 20 point effort. The win improves Manhattan's record in the MAAC to 5-9 and 8-17 overall, while Saint Peter's falls to 10-13 overall and 6-8 in MAAC play.
In a game that saw both teams go on extended runs, it was Manhattan's 18-6 run midway through the second half that proved to be the difference. Leading 41-36 with 13:13 to play, four straight points by Kelly Regan kick started the run. After Vanessa Davison scored on a lay-up, Regan connected on a jumper, and Manhattan's lead quickly went from five points to 13 points, at 49-36 with 10:40 to play. The Peahens would get to within 11 points at 53-42, but baskets by Regan and Flood pushed Manhattan's lead back to a comfortable 15 points, as Saint Peter's would not threaten to get back in the game the rest of the way.
The first half featured both teams going on long runs. Cottrell started the game by knocking down two three-pointers, helping the Lady Jaspers to a 19-6 lead after just 10 minutes. Cottrell connected from long distance again minutes later to give Manhattan a seven point lead at 13-6, followed by Jenna Franciosa, Flood, and Regan scoring on three straight possessions to finish out the run.
The Peahens though were able to turn things around, going on a 20-3 run that gave the visitors a 26-22 lead while Manhattan went more than five minutes without scoring. Both teams traded baskets the rest of the way as Saint Peter's led 30-29 at the half.
Manhattan shot 63.3 percent and scored 43 points in the second half, their highest shooting percentage and second highest point total in a half this season. Flood with 10 rebounds and Cottrell with 12, both had double-doubles, making them the first pair of Lady Jaspers to record double-doubles in a game since Rosalee Mason and Siobhan Kilkenny turned the trick in 2003. They also became the first pair of Lady Jaspers to score 20 or more points in a game since 2004.
Manhattan returns to action next Friday when they travel up to Western New York to battle Canisius. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.
