NEW YORK -- Peter Mulligan scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half Sunday to lead Manhattan to a 73-69 victory over South Dakota State in its opener.
C.J. Anderson added 14 points and Kenny Minor scored 13 for the Jaspers, who led by as many as 17 points.
Ben Beran had 20 points, Steve Holdren 13 and Jared DeJong 11 for the Jackrabbits (0-2).
Mulligan scored the first 11 points of the game, helping Manhattan to a 28-11 lead.
Brady Hokenson made a 3-pointer to close the first half, lifting South Dakota State within 44-39 at the break.
The Jackrabbits got within 67-64 after Beran scored with 38.8 seconds remaining. But Manhattan made six consecutive free throws in the final 29 seconds, including four by Mike Konovelchick to claim the win.
South Dakota State shot 52.2 percent in the second half, and held the Jaspers to 26.9 percent.
