Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Final: Loyola of Maryland Stuns Manhattan

Strategic Insights -

Loyola of Maryland captured the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference final, defeating Manhattan 80-75. The Greyhounds advanced to the N.C.A.A. tournament for the first time, while Manhattan, 19-10 and winner of both regular-season contests between the two schools, fell short of making it back to the tournament after a 35-year drought. The game saw a dramatic turnaround, with Manhattan seemingly in control after a blistering pace early on, but ultimately letting the Greyhounds back in the game.

Key Takeaways:

  • Loyola of Maryland's Jason Hoover scored a crucial free throw with 1:29 left, giving Manhattan a 75-73 lead, but the Greyhounds eventually rallied to win the game 80-75.
  • Manhattan's Darius Johnson buried a wide-open 3-pointer with 31.3 seconds left, but it was too late to change the outcome.
  • Loyola's Milton Williams, in the lineup because starting point guard Tracy Bergan had fouled out, came up with a crucial rebound, two clutch free throws, and an in-bounds steal in the last eight seconds.
  • Bergan, who led Loyola with 20 points, fouled out at 1:21 when he was called for charging.
  • Birmingham's 7 straight points gave the Jaspers a 74-71 lead with 2 minutes 30 seconds remaining, but Loyola's momentum shifted and they took the lead.
  • The Greyhounds scored 18 consecutive points in a 3:06 span at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second to take its first lead, 44-42, with 18:10 to play.
  • Manhattan's defense, which was tops in the M.A.A.C. this season, inexplicably turned porous, allowing Loyola's comeback.

Statistics:

  • Manhattan's Kevin Birmingham scored 22 points, despite playing much of the second half with four fouls.
  • Loyola's Jason Hoover had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
  • Manhattan's Ted Ellis finished with 20 points, including 13 by the intermission.
  • Brooklyn Williams, a freshman, came up with a crucial rebound and two clutch free throws for Manhattan, but ultimately couldn't prevent the loss.

Sources:

  • By The Associated Press
  • Referencing The New York Times and other specific localized newspapers.