Gymnasium. The Eagles, however, scuffled to a new low point with a 15 point second half in a 52-35 defeat.

The game started poorly as the Valiants started the contest with two inside baskets from Glen Rodriguez to grab an early 4-0 lead, and they extended their edge to 10-2 after Chris Myers hit an 18 footer from the wing to get the Eagles on the board just over three minutes into the game. 

The Eagles eventually closed the gap to 12-10 before Manhattanville scored nine of the next twelve points to grab an eight point lead with five minutes to play. The Eastern defense stood its ground and they scored the final seven points of the first half on a pair of Alex Nelson free throws, an inside basket from Derek Wright and a Nelson three pointer. 

Down 21-20 with a minute to go, the Eagles got the stop they were looking for as Kyle Malloy stole a ball in the paint, but as a harbinger of things to come, the Eagles could not convert the final shot of the half into a lead.

Even though they were down just one at the break, there was cause for concern for the Eastern staff. The Eagles, who shoot near 46% for the year had connected on just 35% and had only taken four free throws while having a couple baskets wiped away by charging calls. The ten turnovers were also disconcerting. Nonetheless, the Eagles went to the break down one, and there was hope for the second half.

Those hopes faded as the Eagles did not hit a field goal in the opening 10:43 of the second half. The Valiants were not carving things up on offense either, but they still forged a 36-24 lead midway through the period. The Eagles briefly cut the deficit to eight, but would get no closer as the hosts pulled away late.

The Eastern futility from the field also carried over to the foul line, where they converted just 5-11 in the second half. Martin Soaries and Alex Nelson each had nine points. Angelo Laroche (19 points) and Travoy Pointer (16 points) led the way for the Valiants.

With the win, Manhattanville (10-8, 4-3) moves into the third spot in the Freedom Conference, while the Eagles (8-9, 4-3) fall into the fourth spot. Eastern has played five of seven league matches away from home.

The Eagles step away from league play for a local rivalry game on Wednesday night. They host Cabrini College in the Battle of Eagle Road.

Box Score