Obviously, Manhattan wanted to win the MAAC's regular-season title because that would give the Jaspers not one, but two byes at the conference tournament in Albany. It would also give them a guaranteed spot in the postseason -- the new NIT selection rules guaranteeing conference champions a bid.

Manhattan, led by MAAC coach of the year Bobby Gonzalez but still trying to survive without leading scorer and rebounder C.J. Anderson, beat Iona out at the end of the regular season. The Jaspers got their double bye but quickly went bye-bye and will now play in the NIT.

"I think the double-bye is an advantage/disadvantage," said Gonzalez. "This is not an excuse. Saint Peter's outplayed us and they deserved to win. Our guys played hard. But we didn't seem as sharp. I don't know if the week hurt us."

Now, the Jaspers, 18-10, now have another layoff before they head into NIT play.

Center Arturo Dubois had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Jaspers, as he continued an impressive stretch run. But it wasn't enough as the Jaspers arrived in Albany late and went home early.

But they were alive -- after surviving so much adversity. "This is definitely the greatest accomplishment I've ever been through," said Gonzalez. "I could coach for the next 30 years and I don't think I'll ever go through anything like that again. This team is unforgettable."