One day after playing host Drew to a four point game, the Valiants couldn’t buy a basket in the first half when they shot just 28.6% and fell into a 13-3 hole within the first six-plus minutes. After trailing by as much as 11 in the first half, Manhattanville got within two points with 6:38 left in the game but never could get over the hump and take a lead.
Olivia Nastasi led the way offensively, scoring 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting. The sophomore also added four rebounds and two assists in the losing effort. Off the bench, freshman Nina Johnson was the only other Valiant to reach double-figures, scoring a career-high 11 points and pulling down eight rebounds in just 16 minutes. Fellow freshman Theresa McCabe chipped in nine points off the bench as the Manhattanville reserves scored 22 of the team’s 60 points.
Emerson out-rebounded the Valiants 43-34, but Manhattanville did pull down 14 offensive rebounds. Each team committed 18 turnovers, but Emerson handed out only five assists to 11 for the Valiants.
Lauren Vassallo led the Lions (1-1) with 14 points, one of three Emerson players to reach double-figures. Vassallo also chipped in a team-high eight rebounds.
Manhattanville (0-2) will be back on the hardwood in eight days, taking on the College of Staten Island November 27 at 5:30 p.m. The Valiants open the home season December 4 against Stevens at 7:00 p.m.