Manhattan's fast start beats Rider, 67-51

RIVERDALE, N.Y. (AP) George Beamon scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Manhattan built a 16-point lead in the first half and cruised to a 67-51 win over Rider Friday night.

The Jaspers (14-4, 7-2 Metro Atlantic), who tied last year's win total, raced to a 21-5 lead midway through the first half.

Beamon was 7 of 19 from the field but hit 6 of 7 from the line as Manhattan shot 42.6 percent from the floor (23 of 54) and out-rebounded the Broncs 42-35. Michael Alvarado and Ashton Pankey contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Daniel Stewart scored 17 points and Zedric Sadler added another 15 to lead Rider (9-4, 5-2), which struggled from the field, hitting just 13 of 49 field goal attempts (26.5 percent.) Rider committed 17 turnovers while Manhattan collected nine steals and blocked 11 shots.