USIU Defeats Manhattan

The United States International University basketball team led from start to finish Thursday afternoon, defeating Manhattan College, 96-81, in Golden Hall.

It was the second consecutive victory for the Gulls (4-7). Manhattan (4-7) suffered its fourth straight loss.

Senior forward Russ Heicke scored six points as the Gulls built a 9-2 lead. They never led by less than seven points after that, and were ahead by as many as 16, 71-55, with 10:30 left.

Heicke finished with 25 points. Steve Smith, a sophomore guard from Serra High School, scored 21, and freshman center Mike Sterner had 7 rebounds.

Peter Runge, a sophomore center, scored 26 points and had 15 rebounds for Manhattan.

USIU’s next game is Saturday night in Golden Hall against Rhode Island, which defeated San Diego State, 77-76, in overtime Wednesday night.