Lawrenceville, NJ – The Rider men’s basketball team suffered another gut-wrenching loss Monday night at Alumni Gymnasium, as Manhattan University edged the Broncs 74-71 in a game that showcased resilience, missed opportunities, and clutch plays. For the second consecutive season, Manhattan left Rider’s home court with a victory despite trailing for much of the contest, leaving the Broncs searching for answers as their early-season struggles continue.
The game’s decisive moment came with just under a minute remaining. Anthony Isaac of Manhattan tipped in his own miss following a Broncs turnover, giving the Jaspers the lead for the first time in the final moments. Rider had multiple opportunities to reclaim the lead, including three close shots in the last 20 seconds, but Davis Bynum’s attempts and Flash Burton’s mid-range jumper failed to fall. The result extended Rider’s losing streak to nine games, leaving them at 1-11 overall and 0-3 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).
Coach Kevin Baggett acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized resilience. “To end up on the losing end of that one was tough,” Baggett said. “We have to execute better in critical moments and learn to handle foul trouble without letting it derail us.” Rider faced significant challenges with key players in foul trouble, as Zion Cruz and Caleb Smith fouled out and Shemani Fuller finished the game with four fouls, limiting the team’s options during the decisive final minutes.
Despite the loss, the Broncs’ frontcourt duo delivered standout performances. Fuller recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Bynum added 19 points and seven rebounds, combining for 13 offensive rebounds that kept Rider in contention throughout the second half. “It’s about buying in and putting the work in every day,” Fuller said. “We’re not a 1-11 team. We have the ability to dig ourselves out of this hole if we stay disciplined and execute better.”
The game featured several pivotal moments that ultimately shaped the outcome. Rider gave away points in the closing seconds of the first half, allowing Manhattan to cut a six-point deficit to four going into halftime. In the final two minutes, a turnover by Jamir McNeil and free throws by Devin Dinkins contributed to Manhattan’s narrow edge. Rider’s last-second efforts, including securing a 20th offensive rebound, were unable to produce the basket that would have extended the game.
The match also highlighted the presence of Trenton connections on the Manhattan roster. Terrance Jones, who spent part of his freshman year at Lawrence High before moving to The Patrick School, scored 12 of his 15 points in the second half. Erik Oliver-Bush, another local product, contributed five points in 22 minutes, adding a hometown flavor to the game’s competitive atmosphere.
Rider University, located on a 280-acre campus between Princeton and Trenton, continues to navigate challenges both on and off the court. As part of its broader “March to Sustainability” initiative, the university has been addressing a $21 million cash deficit and $130 million in debt, resulting in faculty layoffs, salary reductions, and other restructuring measures. The institution remains committed to supporting students through initiatives such as the Presidential Hope Fund, which has raised over $2 million to assist those at risk of leaving due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, Rider maintains strong academic offerings across the Norm Brodsky College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Education and Human Services, and continues to earn recognition as a top regional university.
Athletically, the Broncs compete in NCAA Division I, with most teams in the MAAC and wrestling in the Mid-American Conference. While the men’s basketball team struggles to find consistent results early in the season, the program continues to develop talent, with players like Fuller and Bynum demonstrating the potential to lead the team to future success.
For more updates on Rider University athletics and campus developments, readers can visit Sunset Daily’s Rider University coverage for in-depth reporting and analysis.
