Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Manhattan sophomore guard Chris Smith scored all 20 of his points in the second half, lifting the Jaspers to a 65-61 win over Long Island (4-6, 1-1 NEC) this evening in Riverdale. Devon Austin and Darryl Crawford also scored posted double figures in Manhattan's (7-3, 1-1 MAAC) third straight win.
Smith found his shooting touch with 12:44 remaining in the second half when he buried his first of five 3s. He proceeded to knock down six of the Jaspers next seven baskets for 17 points. The surge gave Manhattan a 53-50 advantage with 8:10 to go.
The Blackbirds kept it close down the stretch in a game that featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes.
Manhattan grabbed the lead for good with 3:47 remaining on a Smith lay-up giving the Jaspers a 60-58 cushion. The Jaspers final five points came from the charity stripe as they improved to 4-1 at home this season.
Smith was 7-for-12 (58.3%) from the field and 5-for-7 (71.4%) from downtown.
Crawford finished with 10 points and a career-high five assists. Austin contributed 12 points.
Both clubs shot 41% from the floor, but Manhattan excelled from 3-point range converting 45% (9-20) of its attempts.
Three Blackbirds posted double-figures, including a team-high 16 point effort from guard David Hicks. He was 7-for-12 from the field.
Manhattan returns to action next Monday versus American at 7 p.m. in Riverdale.
