Manhattan takes its season-opening win on the road Thursday to face UAlbany in the America East-Metro Challenge. Both teams are 1-0: Manhattan beat Pace 67-42 behind 41 combined points from three junior-college transfers, while UAlbany opened with a 65-61 road win over Northeastern. The matchup is Manhattan’s first chance this season to beat a Division I opponent.

By the Numbers
  • Manhattan defeated Pace, 67-42.
  • Three Manhattan transfers scored 41 points combined.
  • UAlbany beat Northeastern, 65-61.
  • UAlbany leads the all-time series, 3-1.
Yes, But

Both teams bring opening-game momentum, but UAlbany has won both previous meetings during Heather Vulin’s tenure at Manhattan. The Great Danes also have a new head coach, Kelly Morrone, who arrived after six seasons at Merrimack.

State of Play
  • The game is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Broadview Center in Albany.
  • Manhattan returns home Sunday, Nov. 8, to host Bryant.
What's Next

Manhattan will look to carry its strong start into its first Division I test before returning to Draddy Gymnasium to face Bryant on Sunday.

Bottom Line

Manhattan’s opening win showed the impact of its newcomers; Thursday’s matchup will test whether that production can translate against a Division I opponent on the road.