Jan. 23, 2003

Box Score

Prosper Karangwa recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists and Tommy Mitchell added a career-high 24 points leading Siena (11-6/5-3 MAAC) to an 81-65 conference victory over Loyola (4-12/1-7) before 5,654 fans at Pepsi Arena Thursday evening.

For the second straight game, Siena sprinted to a big early lead scoring 20 of the game's first 25 points. And for the second straight game, the Saints quickly let their opponent back in the game. Karangwa keyed the initial spurt with eight of his 10 first half points for Siena.

Colonie High graduate Lucious Jordan scored 13 of his team-high 23 in the first half to rally the Greyhounds to within eight at the half, 30-8.

Loyola closed the gap to 51-46 with just over 13 minutes remaining, but could get no closer. The Saints scored the game's next five points on a thunderous jam by Brent Sniezyk, who ended with seven points, and a three from the left corner by Mitchell.

The Greyhounds made their first 14 free throws of the second half to stay in the game, while Siena missed countless opportunities near the basket to put the game out of reach.

Still, Siena had enough resolve to get the job done down the stretch. Antoine Jordan joined Karangwa and Mitchell in double-figures with 14, and the Saints again converted their opportunities from the free throw line to solidify the win.

Siena's Michael Buhrman made his first appearance of the season at the 4:16 mark of the first half. Buhrman, who converted two second half free throws, had been sidelined with a sprained knee.

The Saints held Loyola to 38.6% from the floor, marking the eighth time this season they have limited their opposition to under 40%. The Saints are undefeated in all eight contests.

The Saints return to MAAC action at Marist on Sunday afternoon. Game-time is set for 3:30 p.m. .