NEW YORK – A pair of steals by R.J. Williams helped Loyola (Md.) right itself and go on to defeat Manhattan 51-41 Friday night.
After Manhattan took its only lead, 26-25, on Emmy Andujar's layup to start the second half, Robert Olson's 3-pointer gave the lead back to the Greyhounds (15-6, 7-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference).
Williams stole the ball on Manhattan's next two possessions, leading to an Anthony Winbush layup and one of his own for a 32-26 lead. The Jaspers (5-14, 3-6) never got closer than four points after that.
Loyola led 21-11 in the first half, but Manhattan scored the next nine points, five by Donovan Kates. A jumper by Williams ended that streak, and his two free throws 3 seconds before halftime gave Loyola a 25-23 edge.
Erik Etherly, with 12 points, was the only Loyola scorer in double figures.
Andujar led Manhattan with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
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