Manhattan Jaspers dominate in season opener

From the outset of the game between the Manhattan Jaspers and Manhattanville Valiants, it was quite clear that it would be a mismatch.

Elijah Buchanan started off the season with a layup which the Valiants answered with one of their own. After Warren Williams took the lead at 4–2 for the Jaspers just 1:21 into the game, they never relinquished it. Manhattan led by 38 points, 54–16 right before halftime. They grabbed 35 rebounds, hit 12 threes, and led by 59 with 1:59 to playing the game. Marquette transfer Jose Perez put up 6 points and 12 assists in his Jasper debut.

I spoke with Perez after the game and he said that he thought he had 14 assists. He was very pleased with his team’s performance, and I’d have to assume that head coach Steve Masiello is as well. Masiello smiled as he shook hands with onlookers after the game, a quick change in temper from screaming at his team up by 50 at the under 12.

The evident difference between Division I and Division III athletes was on display. Every possession for Manhattan felt like an open three-pointer or an alley-oop. They forced 31 turnovers and held the Valiants to 3 for 15 from deep, mainly because they settled for deep threes instead of being able to push the ball into the paint.

This is the toughest test that Head Coach Chris Alesi’s Valiants will take on this year, as his team starts their Division III schedule on Thursday at Kennedy Gym in Purchase, NY against Five Towns College.

The Jaspers, who were projected to have the 315th best offense in the country by KenPom, scored 99 points, and continue their slate on Friday against Bronx rival Fordham.