Fordham 60, Manhattan 49: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

Riverdale, NY ­- Back in the day, it was a ‘blood and guts’ rivalry. The ‘Battle of the Bronx.’ Fordham and Manhattan, sharing similar conference affiliation, would meet at Madison Square Garden. Beer vendors would have a windfall as the amber refreshment flowed freely throughout the contest. Fans of the two schools would shout less than complimentary sayings, the Manhattan group known to have the sparsely filled Garden ring out with in a chant of ‘the Rams eat s____’ . You get the idea regarding the last noun.

Today, the two have different conference addresses. The battles are staged on campus. Still, there is the inner pride and bragging rights among the two schools, just separated by a few stops on the subway.

On Wednesday evening, the respective women’s programs met in their edition of the battle. Fordham, by virtue of a late run, captured the contest, 60­-49. That brought the two programs to a 1-­1 record in this young season.

Rivalry and bragging rights aside, the teams found a lot out about themselves. Fordham needs work against defensive pressure. The Jaspers play a good enough defense, yet need some work on their offensive execution.

In today’s climate, these points are significant, as coaches Stephanie Gaitley of Fordham and John Olenowski with Manhattan ready their teams. Fordham of the Atlantic 10 and Manhattan in the MAAC have the natural concerns regarding their readiness when league play tips off.

In the final analysis, it’s still Fordham­-Manhattan. “Just getting a win on the road is big,” said Gaitley folowing the victory. Valid point, and the win is sweeter at the expense of the storied rival.

The view of Draddy Gymnasium from press row:

The Jaspers, setting up the offense:

Manhattan coach John Olenowski studies the action:

The Manhattan staff meeting at halftime prior to addressing the players:

Hannah Missry of Fordham, applying weak side help defense:

Fordham coach Stephanie Gaitley during her postgame interview with WFUV: