Stewart helps Manhattan beat Niagara, snap 8-game skid

Jan 6, 2019, 02:53 am

NEW YORK -- Freshman Samir Stewart didn't miss a shot and finished with 22 points, including seven -- which matched his previous career high -- in a decisive late run, to help Manhattan rally for a 90-80 win over Niagara on Saturday night and snap an eight-game skid.

Stewart was 6 of 6 from the field, including five 3-pointers, and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line. Pauly Paulicap, Thomas Capuano and Tyler Reynolds scored 10 points apiece for Manhattan (3-11, 1-1 Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference).

Keleaf Tate's 3-pointer with 4:05 to play gave Niagara (7-7, 0-1) a 78-74 lead but the Purple Eagles didn't score again until James Towns hit a jumper with 29 seconds left as Manhattan scored 16 of the final 18 points. Stewart answered with a 3 and, after a Niagara turnover, Warren Williams made two free throws to give the Jaspers the lead for good.

Dominic Robb led five Purple Eagles scoring in double figures with 18 points.

Manhattan, which came in shooting just 37.9 percent from the field this season, shot a season-high 63 percent (34 of 54), including 13 of 22 from 3-point range.