Manhattan whips Quinnipiac 87-68 in MAAC semis

Mar 9, 2014, 09:41 pm

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- George Beamon scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half and Emmy Andujar added 21 off the bench Sunday as second-seeded Manhattan pulled away from third-seed Quinnipiac for an 87-68 win in the semifinals of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament.

Manhattan plays league champion Iona for the MAAC title Monday.

Rhamel Brown added 16 points and nine boards for the Jaspers (24-7). Brown gave Manhattan a strong inside presence against the top-rebounding team in the nation, which was out-rebounded (37-34) for only the second time in 63 games.

Ike Azotam had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats (20-11). Zaid Hearst added 15 points and Kasim Chandler 14.

Quinnipiac shot 59 percent in the first half and made 13 of 18 free throws to forge a 40-40 tie. The Bobcats unraveled in the second half, shooting 33 percent to Manhattan's 58.