RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The
Marist men's basketball team fell in MAAC action on Thursday night at Manhattan
College by a score of 73-51. The Red Foxes (7-15, 2-9 MAAC) were unable to
overcome a 10-point halftime advantage as the host Jaspers (17-7, 10-2 MAAC)
shot 53.1 percent in the second half to extend their lead. Freshmen Isaiah
Morton (Richland, N.J.) and Chavaughn Lewis (Queens, N.Y.) tied for the team-lead
with 11 points a piece on the night.
Each team struggled to find their shot in the early goings
of the game as neither was able to break into double digits until a Roberto
Colonette free throw at 11:34 gave Manhattan its tenth point at 10-6. Sophomore
Adam Kemp (Sherrill, N.Y.) brought Marist back to within two on the next
possession as he took a Morton pass and converted from close in.
The Jaspers then ran off a 7-0 run over the next 2:02 to go
ahead nine at 17-8.
Back to back baskets by Marist, a three pointer by junior
Devin Price (Inglewood, Calif.) and a layup by Lewis made the score 19-15 with
5:58 to play in the opening stanza.
Over the final 5:58 of play in the first half, Manhattan put
six more points between themselves and the Red Foxes to take a 10-point lead
into the locker room, 32-22.
Statistically, the teams posted similar shooting
percentages, 38.7 (12-31) to 36.0 (9-25) in field goals for Manhattan, as well
as 28.6 (2-7) to 16.7 (1-6) in three pointers. The leading factor in the host
Jaspers double digit margin was 12 turnovers by the Red Foxes.
Individually, Lewis was the team's high scorer with seven
points, two assists and two blocks. Kemp was close behind with six points and a
team-high six rebounds.
In the second half, a 7-11 shooting start by Manhattan
quickly turned the 10-point advantage into 21 at 48-27.
Morton led the Red Foxes' offensive effort in the second
half as the freshman guard netted all 11 of his points on 4-7 shooting and 3-5
success from long distance.
When the final whistle blew after 40 minutes of action in
Riverdale, Manhattan was victorious 73-51.
For the game, Marist was outshot 46.6 to 37.7 from the field
and 31.6 to 26.7 from three point range.
Individually, Lewis and Morton each scored a team-high 11
points. Lewis augmented his stat-line with four rebounds, three assists, three
steals and two blocks over 34 minutes in his first career start. Kemp also posted
a strong stat-line as he finished with eight points, nine rebounds, three
blocks and a steal.
The team will be back in action in the friendly confines of
McCann Arena in just two days as they host Canisius at home on Saturday night
at 7 p.m.
