(5) Fairfield 68, (4) Manhattan 61
No. 5 Fairfield edged No. 4 Manhattan 68-61 to move into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament’s semifinals. Junior forward Mike Evanovich led Fairfield with 18 points and four rebounds, and senior guard Herbie Allen added 17 points. Fairfield will play No. 1 Siena, which beat the Stags twice in the regular season.
(1) Siena 77, (9) Canisius 52
No. 1 Siena bum-rushed No. 9 Canisius 77-52 with a balanced attack on offense and defense. Junior swingman Edwin Ubiles led four Saints in double figures with 18 points. Sophomore forward Ryan Rossiter contributed a double-double, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Siena’s defensive pressure caused 21 turnovers by the Golden Griffins, who shot only 37 percent from the field.
(2) Niagara 79, (10) Marist 50
No. 2 Niagara blasted No. 10 Marist 79-50 by working harder on the glass, collecting 47 rebounds to the Red Foxes’ 30. Senior guard Rob Garrison led the Purple Eagles with 21 points and five rebounds. Niagara’s defense held the Red Foxes to 33 percent shooting from the field.
(3) Rider 67, (6) St. Peter’s 58
Junior guard Ryan Thompson had a season-high 30 points to lead No. 3 Rider to a 67-58 win against No. 6 St. Peter’s. Thompson was 10-of-13 from the field. Sophomore forward Mike Ringgold and freshman guard Novar Gadson combined to grab 25 rebounds. Rider will play Niagara, which the Broncs beat by three a few weeks ago.
