Manhattan 85 – Fordham 57
Last night’s Fordham-Manhattan College basketball matchup was dubbed “The Battle of the Bronx.”
Only problem was, Fordham left its weapons holstered, and got smoked 85-57 before a disappointed crowd at Rose Hill.
Before the season, Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez promised an up-tempo, running offense. Last night his Jaspers ran, all right – right over the Rams.
Freshman guards Kenny Minor and Jason Wingate darted up and down the court, leading the transition game. And junior Luis Flores, who scored 16 first-half points, 22 in all, was rewarded for his hustle by getting six uncontested layups.
Eventually, the preseason MAAC Player of the Year grew tired of running and started raining jumpers on the break, including two 3-pointers.
“Luis is a special player,” Gonzalez said. “You think you’re right with him and then, bang, he goes right by you.”
Flores’ heroics almost overshadowed some others by Jasper junior forward Dave Holmes, who scored a career-high 24 points, pulled down eight rebounds, handed out two assists and recorded two steals.
“I usually don’t let my players look at the stats, but Dave’s line is astounding,” Gonzalez said.
For his part, Flores refused to acknowledge his gem.
“We came prepared for this game and it meant a lot for us to win,” he said.
Once the Jaspers (3-0), knew they had the game in hand, they slowed down the tempo but didn’t let up. Their halfcourt offense was equally impressive. Wingate was able to penetrate at will, kick the ball outside for Flores or hand it off in the paint for layups.
Fordham tried to counter Manhattan’s transition game by attempting to establish a post presence.
But the Rams (1-4), weren’t able to get sophomore Glenn Batemon started. Batemon, a 6-foot-11, 340-pound monster in the paint, fumbled several entry passes and never became a factor, finishing with eight points.
“We’re gonna have games like this all year long – it’s gonna be one of those years,” Fordham coach Bob Hill said.