Manhattan controlled the tempo from the outset, using a strong second-half performance to secure a 79-70 win over Niagara at Draddy Gymnasium. The Jaspers' victory was fueled by a balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures. Jaden Winston led the way, tallying 16 points and 9 assists to pace Manhattan. Devin Dinkins also chipped in with 16 points, while Anthony Isaac recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Niagara, meanwhile, was led by Trenton Walters, who scored 16 points and dished out 6 assists. The Purple Eagles' offense was unable to keep pace with Manhattan's in the second half, as they managed just 32 points after scoring 38 in the first half. Justin Page and Reggie Prudhomme added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for Niagara, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Jaspers' strong team effort.
The first half was closely contested, with Niagara taking a 38-36 lead into the break. However, Manhattan came out strong in the second half, using a 12-4 run to take control of the game. The Jaspers' defense was stout, holding Niagara to just 32 points in the second half, and their offense was able to capitalize on the Purple Eagles' mistakes. As the game wore on, Manhattan's lead continued to grow, and they ultimately emerged with a 9-point victory.
The win improves Manhattan's record to 8-14, while Niagara falls to 5-15. While neither team is likely to be a factor in the NCAA Tournament conversation, the victory is still an important one for Manhattan. The Jaspers' ability to take care of business against a lesser opponent is a positive sign, and their balanced attack will serve them well as they move forward.
In terms of resume implications, this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 contest for both teams. As such, the win doesn't do much to boost Manhattan's tournament profile, but it does help to avoid a potentially damaging loss. For Niagara, the defeat is just another in a long line of struggles this season. The Purple Eagles' NET ranking of 351 is a reflection of their difficulties, and they must show significant improvement if they hope to be competitive in their conference. As for Manhattan, they want to build on this win and continue to develop their young core, with an eye towards making a push in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament.