Feb 9, 2003

Box Score

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) - A free throw by Iona freshman Marvin McCullough with 27 seconds left snapped the final tie and Siena missed three attempts at the potential winning field goal as the Gaels held on for a 65-64 victory on Sunday.

Michael Haddix of Siena made the first of two free throws to tie the game at 64.

McCullough pulled down the rebound when Haddix missed the second, raced the length of the court and was fouled by Jamal Jackson as he drove to the basket. McCullough missed the first free throw but made the second.

Following a timeout, Siena (13-9, 7-6 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) worked the ball to Prosper Karangwa, who could not hit an off-balance jump shot from the right side with 7 seconds left. Austin Andrews couldn't convert the follow, but Haddix quickly rebounded for the Saints. He drove the left side for a scoop shot that fell short and the buzzer sounded.

Freshman guard Steve Burtt Jr. paced the Gaels (13-8, 8-4) with 13 points while McCullough and Steve Smith had 11 and 10, respectively.

Haddix and Karangwa each scored 20 points for Siena and they combined for 21 rebounds.

Iona owned a significant advantage at the free throw line, hitting 26 of 37 attempts to 17-of-24 for Siena. That helped offset a 45-35 rebounding deficit that included 15 offensive boards for the Saints.

Iona led 27-26 at halftime. The score was deadlocked seven times in the second half before Iona ended a six-game regular-season losing streak against the Saints.