Saint Peter's Holds Off Manhattan 80-75 Behind Eaton's 21 Points

Saint Peter's traveled to Draddy Gymnasium on Wednesday, February 5, and came away with a hard-fought 80-75 victory over Manhattan. The Peacocks, led by Bryce Eaton's impressive 21 points and 6 assists, controlled the tempo of the game from the start, taking a 43-35 lead into halftime. Eaton's performance was instrumental in securing the win, as he consistently found ways to score and set up his teammates for easy baskets.

Manhattan's Fraser Roxburgh did his best to keep the Jaspers in the game, posting 22 points and 9 rebounds. Roxburgh's efforts, along with 19 points from Jaden Winston and 13 points and 9 rebounds from Anthony Isaac, helped Manhattan stay within striking distance throughout the second half. However, Saint Peter's was able to maintain its lead, thanks in part to a strong team defensive effort that limited Manhattan's scoring opportunities.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. Saint Peter's Lucas Scroggins chipped in with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Brent Bland added 13 points for the Peacocks. Despite a strong effort from Manhattan, Saint Peter's was able to hold on for the 5-point victory.

CHD Scout had predicted a Saint Peter's win by 5.2 points, and the Peacocks were able to deliver, winning by a margin of 5. The prediction was spot on, as Saint Peter's was able to use its balanced attack to overcome Manhattan's strong individual performances. The win was a reflection of the Peacocks' depth and resilience, as they were able to withstand a strong challenge from the Jaspers.

The victory has real consequences for Saint Peter's tournament resume. As a Quadrant 4 win, it may not be the most impressive victory, but it is still a valuable addition to the Peacocks' portfolio. With a current NET ranking of 235, Saint Peter's must continue to rack up wins in order to improve its chances of making the tournament. For Manhattan, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, as it falls to 9-16 on the season and sees its own tournament hopes dwindle. As a Quadrant 4 loss, it will not be overly damaging to the Jaspers' resume, but it is still a missed opportunity for a team that desperately needs wins. The loss will likely drop Manhattan's NET ranking, currently at 333, even further. Saint Peter's, on the other hand, want to build on this win and continue to make a push for a tournament berth.