Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Tyrone Lewis erupted for a career-high 31 points lifting Niagara (16-6, 7-3 MAAC) to a 68-49 victory over Manhattan (11-10, 5-6 MAAC) on Saturday in Riverdale. Sophomore guard Chris Smith led the Jaspers with 14 points along with seven rebounds, while Jamel Ferguson added 11 points.
The Purple Eagles took the coast-to-coast win as poor shooting hindered the Manhattan lineup. Lewis scored 20 of his points in the first half as Niagara carried a 35-19 advantage into intermission. Manhattan shot 26.7% (8-30) from the field prior to the break and 29.6% (21-71) on the night.
Manhattan played even with the Purple Eagles in the second half, but could not climb back from its initial deficit. Jaspers' center Laurence Jolicoeur collected a career-high 10 rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench. Classmate Andrew Gabriel contributed eight points on 4-for-7 shooting and seven rebounds.
Lewis was 10-for-22 from the floor and buried six of the Purple Eagles eight 3-point field goals. Bilal Benn was the only other Niagara player to score in double-figures, finishing with 15 points. Benson Egemonye grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Jaspers were 26.7% (4-15) from 3-point territory and 18.8% (3-16) at the free-throw line. Niagara converted Manhattan's 16 turnovers into 22 points. The Jaspers forced Niagara into 18 turnovers.
Manhattan travels to Marist on Monday. The contest will be televised regionally on MSG Plus at 7 p.m.
