Rider (0-2) @ Manhattan (0-0)
- elevated competition. Lost opener on the road to Syracuse, 52-87. No surprise. But, 3 days later, they went to St. John's and lost 79-82. That is a big improvement against a Big East team on the road. Rider held the lead for over 20 minutes. At the high point, they were up 11. Only late in the game was St. John's able to narrow the gap and edge it out. St. John's is 5-1 so far. Considering that Rider already has 2 road games under its belt, against major Div I schools, playing Manhattan should seem easier. Rider defeated Manhattan in both matches last year.
- Of Rider's 3 highest scorers, G Allen Powell is the only returner. He is a Sophomore. He did not start last year, which is understandable for a Freshman. In two games (note opponents), he's avg. 12.5 ppg. The other two are Senior Guard Dwight Murray Jr, an import from Incarnate Word, avg. 19.5 ppg, 6.5 apg. and Red Shirt Junior Rodney Henderson, from Cal State Northridge. avg 14.0 ppg. 6'10" F Tyrel Bladen, another Sophomore, is their rebounds man.
Take a look: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb...ider/2021.html
- Manhattan roster. Last year's two biggest scorers graduated. Those returning did nothing special last year.Imports were just bench players elsewhere (and not on top 25 teams, either).
Manhattan players roundup: https://gojaspers.com/news/2020/12/9...nst-rider.aspx
Manhattan 2019-2020:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb...ttan/2020.html
Manhattan 2020-2021:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb...ttan/2021.html
Pick: Rider +1.5, early ML