Manhattan Defeats American U. 69-62

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Darryl Crawford scored 26 points to lead Manhattan to a 69-62 victory over American on Wednesday night.

Crawford, who was averaging 13 points entering the game, was 9-for-17 from the field and hit seven free throws as the Jaspers (3-2) took command in the second half.

Manhattan and American (0-6) were tied at 32 before the Jaspers used a 12-2 run to forge a 44-34 lead with 11:36 remaining. Antoine Pearson scored six of his 12 points during that stretch.

The Eagles cut the lead to 56-52 on Riley Grafft's two free throws with 4:12 left in the game, but Brandon Adams hit a jumper to give Manhattan a 58-52 lead with 3:51 remaining.

Manhattan scored 29 points off of 23 turnovers.

Rico Pickett scored 13 points for Manhattan and Pearson added seven assists and five steals.

Mike Bersch led American with 16 points and Grafft added 15 points and 12 rebounds.