Manhattan 34, Fairfield 31

Mar 2, 2013, 12:02 am

NEW YORK -- Manhattan's Shane Richards was the only player in double figures as the Jaspers edged Fairfield 34-31 Friday night in the second-lowest combined scoring game since the 3-point line was instituted in 1986.

The record is 62 points -Princeton 41-21 over Monmouth (N.J.) on Dec. 14, 2005.

The game broke the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record for fewest combined points (Saint Peter's defeated Manhattan 44-36 on Feb. 23, 1982).

Manhattan (12-16, 9-8), which has won seven of its last nine, trailed 19-18 at halftime in the game between the league's top defensive teams.

RaShawn Stores' 3-pointer with 1:27 left pushed the Jaspers ahead 32-31.

Fairfield shot 26.7 percent (12 of 45); Manhattan 25.5 percent (12 of 47).

Richards scored 11 points while Rhamel Brown blocked five shots to set Manhattan's single-season record with 87.

Marcus Gilbert's nine points led the Stags (17-13, 9-8), who also lost to Manhattan 62-40 Feb. 12.