Shepard's late TD leads Giants over 49ers

[November 13, 2018]  Sterling Shepard hauled in a 3-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning with 53 seconds remaining Monday night, giving the New York Giants a 27-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.

Manning, who earlier had thrown two TD passes to Odell Beckham Jr., drove the Giants (2-7) 75 yards in nine plays after Robbie Gould's third field goal of the game, a 30-yarder with 2:46 remaining, had given the 49ers a 23-20 lead.

The 49ers (2-8) were called for defensive holding and pass interference penalties, aiding New York's winning drive.

Nick Mullens got the 49ers as close as the New York 21-yard line with one second remaining but threw out of the end zone on the game's final play, assuring the Giants' victory.

Gould had hit earlier from 53 yards in the first quarter to open the scoring and from 36 yards with two seconds left in the half to send the 49ers into halftime with a 13-10 lead.

Mullens threw 11 yards to running back Matt Breida for a touchdown that increased the San Francisco lead to 20-10 with 8:09 remaining in the third quarter, before the Giants rallied.

Manning's second touchdown pass to Beckham, a 20-yarder, got the visitors within 20-17 with 6:36 left in the third quarter.

Aldrick Rosas' second of two field goals, a 31-yarder, produced a 20-all tie with 2:10 left in the third, setting up the tight finish.

Manning finished 19-for-31 with 188 yards and the three scores.

Beckham had four catches for 73 yards and the two TDs.

Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie standout Saquon Barkley was limited to 67 yards on 20 carries and 33 yards on four receptions.

Mullens, who made his NFL debut in last week's 34-3 win over the Oakland Raiders, completed 27 of his 39 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted twice.

Tight end George Kittle was his favorite receiving target, hauling in nine balls for 83 yards.

Breida finished with 101 yards rushing, including a 3-yard TD run in the second quarter, and three catches for 31 yards and his other score.

The 49ers, who beat the Giants 31-21 exactly one year earlier, outgained the visitors 374-277.

--Field Level Media

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