Box Score
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. ? Junior transfer Bilal Benn erupted for a game-high 24 points, leading Niagara (11-3, 2-0 MAAC) to a coast-to-coast win over Manhattan (7-6, 1-2 MAAC) on Saturday at the Gallagher Center. Devon Austin and Chris Smith led the Jaspers with 16 points apiece.
“Niagara is a very explosive team, with a lot of scoring balance,” stated third year head coach Barry Rohrssen. “They do a good job getting baskets in transition and off their active defense.”
The Jaspers trailed by double-digits several times in the first stanza, but slimmed their deficit to four points midway through the half. At the 8:16 mark, Austin completed a three point play, cutting the Purple Eagles lead to 35-31.
Niagara took a 58-49 advantage into the break, scoring 23 of its points off 11 Manhattan turnovers. This marked the most points Manhattan scored and allowed in a half this season. The teams combined for 29 first half fouls, and 45 in the contest.
Benn entered intermission with a double-double. He finished with career-highs in points (24) and rebounds (16).
Niagara opened the second half with a 23-7 run, which was capped by a Tyrone Lewis lay-up with 10:34 remaining. The junior guard finished with 13 points.
The Purple Eagles led by as many as 27 points in the contest. UConn transfer Rob Garrison scored 18 and senior center Benson Egemonye had 16.
Manhattan out rebounded Niagara 46-39. Austin led the way with a season-high eight boards.
Darryl Crawford contributed 10 points off the bench, and was just the third Jasper to score in double figures. Sophomore center Laurence Jolicoeur scored a season-high nine points.
Manhattan returns to action Monday at Canisius. Tip off is 7:30 p.m.
