BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — Manhattan built a large first-half lead and withstood a fierce Canisius comeback to earn a 69-65 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball victory Sunday at Koessler Athletic Center. The Jaspers led 37-27 at halftime, but the Golden Griffins surged in the second half, tying the game late. Manhattan secured the win with key free throws in the final seconds. Mike Evbagharu led all players with 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for Canisius. Jaden Winston scored 18 points for Manhattan. Attendance was 551. Manhattan improved to 12-16 overall. Canisius fell to 8-19.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — Two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Sunday when the Manhattan Jaspers visit the Canisius Golden Griffins at Koessler Athletic Center. Manhattan (11-16) enters with a slight uptick, having won two of its last three games, including a 76-69 road victory at Niagara on Friday. The Jaspers are led by guard Jaden Winston, who scored 21 points in that win and has averaged 18.6 points over his last seven contests. His playmaking was on full display in a Jan. 30 win over Rider, where he dished out 10 assists. Canisius (8-18) looks to snap a prolonged slump, having lost eight consecutive games. The Golden Griffins fell 69-63 to Iona at home on Friday. They will rely on guard Bryan Ndjonga, who has been a bright spot during the skid, averaging 16.9 points over the last eight games. He scored 23 points in a loss at Niagara on Feb. 3. The teams met earlier this season on Jan. 9 in Riverdale, with Canisius securing a 70-64 victory. The Golden Griffins have struggled mightily since, however, winning only once in the following 10 games. Sunday’s matchup features two of the lower-tier teams in the MAAC standings, making it a critical opportunity for either to build confidence heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Manhattan will aim to leverage its recent scoring form, while Canisius desperately seeks to defend its home floor and halt its lengthy losing streak. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon. Manhattan visits Marist next Friday, while Canisius travels to Rider on the same night.