BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Canisius women's basketball program had its revenge on Friday, following a 20-point loss to Manhattan earlier in the year, as it defeat the Jaspers in a 70-68 nail-biter at the Koessler Ahtletic Center on Friday evening. With the win Canisius improves to 12-14 overall and 7-10 in MAAC play, and also improves to 3-0 on its five-game homestand. Manhattan dropped to 12-13 overall and 9-7 with the loss.

Manhattan had one final possession with seconds ticking down but a Maeve Parahus jumper missed the mark and Lauren D'Hont corralled the rebound as time expired.

Freshman Maria Welch was impressive once again leading the team in points with 17 points, shooting 6-of-14 for the game and 4-of-10 from beyond the arc.

For the second straight game the Griffs four players reach double-figures, as Margret Halfdanardtottir (13 points), D'Hont (13 points), and Crystal Porter (10 points) all reached the plateau.

Sarah Cooley set a new career-high in rebounds, recording nine for the game as she led the team, while Halfdanardottir's four assists paced the squad.

A trio of Jaspers hit double-digits foer the game as Amani Tatum led the way with 18 points, three assists and three steals. Parahus notched 17 points, while Crystal Ross had 14.

Manhattan did edge the Griffs in rebounds, 36-33, but what was an area of concern in the first meeting proved to be better in this game, as Canisius committed just 15 turnovers, down from 22 the first time these two squads played.

The Griffs trailed for much of the first quarter, before a late-frame surge gave the Blue and Gold a 18-17 lead headed into the second frame. Manhattan bounced back in the second quarter outscoring Canisius 16-12, taking a slim 33-30 lead into the halftime break.

Like in its win against Marist, the Griffs used a strong third-quarter to help turn the game in its favor. Welch proved the most dangerous in the frame, hitting a pair of treys to help the Griffs outscore the Jaspers 23-17 headed into the final quarter.

It appeared with 2:36 left on the clock, Canisius was in firm standing, leading Manhattan 64-60, as Porter hit a pair of free throws.

However a Tatum layup a minute later cut the Griffs lead to just one, 67-66 with 1:18 left.

A pair of D'Hont free throw makes got the lead back out to three with 17 seconds left to play but a foul by Cooley sent Ross to the line, as she cut it back to just one, draining both shots.

Again D'Hont gave the Griffs some breathing room, connecting on one of two free throw chances, but Parahus' last second shot fell short as the Griffs sealed their 12th win of the season.

Canisius wraps up the weekend facing the Monmouth Hawks at the Koessler Athletic Center on Sunday afternoon. The Griffs will also honor the careers of Tiahanna Mills, Jasmine Mungo and Porter at the team's senior day ceremony. Tip off is slated for 2 p.m. with the ceremony beginning at 1:45 p.m.