(Garden City, NY) On Thursday night, the Nassau Men's Basketball team hosted ASA College-Manhattan on their home court. 

The Lions jumped out to an early 10 point lead within the first 9 minutes of play. It was 22-12 when the Mad Titans went on a 21-4 run of their own to take a 7 point lead. Foul trouble crippled the Lions in the first half as they battled to take back the lead 47-45 just before halftime. Patrick Gardner led the team with 12 points going into the locker room. 

Starting off the second half, Nassau attempted to pull away with 2 quick baskets, putting them up by 6. Both teams continued to battle back and forth throughout the half. With 8:34 left, ASA took over for the second time, but Nassau answered quickly with an 8-0 run to regain a 6 point lead. The score was 72-66 with just under 6 minutes remaining. The Mad Titans schooled the Lions defense and made a 7-0 run to put the game at 73-72 with only 4 minutes left. Down the stretch the lead exchanged hands several times before Nassau took a definitive 5 point lead with 35 second left in the game. Patrick Gardner made 3 consecutive free throws to seal the win 87-81. 

Gardner tallied a total of 27 points and 12 rebounds, while teammate Javen Soto had 17 points and 7 rebounds. The men now hold an 11-3 record for the season and are 8-1 in the conference.

The Lions will be at home again next Thursday as they take on Rockland CC.