Men’s College Basketball: Manhattan College 62, Rider University 51

LAWRENCEVILLE — Despite 18 points from senior Jonathon Thompson (Orlando, Fla./Jones), the Broncs lost a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game to Manhattan Sunday afternoon (Jan. 27).

Holding a 32-30 lead, Manhattan (6-14, 4-6 MAAC) out-scored Rider 15-2, six points each by Shane Richards and Ryan McCoy, to take a 47-32 lead with 14 minutes left to play.

Richards finished with a game-high 19 points in 23 minutes off the bench, making seven of eight shots from the field, including four three-pointers.

McCoy made all three of his shots from the field, including a pair of three-pointers, finishing with eight points in 16 minutes off the bench.

As a team, Manhattan shot 52.6 percent from the field, while Rider (11-11, 6-4 MAAC) shot just 39.6 percent from the field.

Manhattan made seven of 11 three-pointers, while Rider made six of 22 three-point shots.

Manhattan made 15 (of 25) foul shots compared to just seven (of 11) made by Rider.

Rider junior Anthony Myles (Dover, DE/Poly-Tech) added 10 points.

Rider out-scored Manhattan 14-7 over the final 7:42 of the first half, six points by Myles and five by Thompson, to cut the Jasper lead to 29-26 at the half.

Junior forward Rhamel Brown added 10 points and 10 rebounds for Manhattan.

Rider defeated Manhattan 69-60 on Jan. 10. On Sunday, Manhattan never trailed.

Manhattan out-rebounded Rider 16-7 in the first half and 33-21 for the game.

Rider had its five-game winning streak snapped Friday night and has now lost two in a row. Prior to Rider’s five-game winning streak the Broncs suffered a five-game losing streak.

The Broncs were without the services of sophomore center Junior Fortunat (Montreal, Quebec/Roman Catholic), who suffered a concussion in practice Saturday

Rider travels to Fairfield Feb. 1 and Marist Feb. 3.